World Bank Reaffirms Support to Nepal’s Peace Process

For Nepali 

Contacts: 
In Kathmandu: Rajib Upadhya (9771) 4226792/3
rupadhya@worldbank.org
In Washington: Erik Nora (202) 4584735
enora@worldbank.org

KATHMANDU, JULY 15, 2009 – A team from the World Bank concluded a periodic review today of the Emergency Peace Support Project.  During the visit, the team held discussions with senior Government of Nepal officials, high ranking leaders of the UCPN-Maoist, development partners supporting the peace process, and representatives of Nepali civil society.

At these meetings the World Bank reiterated its commitment to continue supporting Nepal’s peace process through the Emergency Peace Support Project. The Bank will also continue to support peace-building through the development programs it finances in Nepal.

“Implementing peace accords is not always easy but the World Bank stands by its commitment to supporting Nepal in the implementation of its Comprehensive Peace Agreement,” said Susan Goldmark, the World Bank’s Country Director for Nepal.  “As part of our new assistance strategy, we will support projects that aim to contribute to the maintenance of peace and minimize the potential for future conflict.  This reflects the centrality of peace to development in Nepal and the Bank’s commitment to it.”

The visiting team welcomed progress in a number of areas, including initiation of payments to families of those killed as a result of the conflict, improved payment procedures for allowances to Maoists in cantonments, and the recent clear commitment to the discharge of minors and other ineligible former combatants from cantonments.  The team also noted the funding gaps for implementing the peace accords and the need for ongoing support from the international community in addressing the needs of other conflict-affected groups, as well as reconstruction priorities, as reflected in the Nepal Peace Trust Fund needs assessment. 

The Bank team noted the priority given by the government to fund the payment of allowances to the Maoists in cantonments and emphasized the importance of continuing these payments.    Together with the Government of Nepal and other stakeholders, the Bank is exploring how the reallocation of funds from the Emergency Peace Support Project can most effectively complement these ongoing efforts. 

For more information on the Bank’s work in Nepal, please visit http://www.worldbank.org.np