Addressing a special meeting of the Constituent Assembly (CA) on November 1 2008, at the CA Hall in New Baneshwor, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said, “This is the phase where all the stake holders should unite and work together in entailing the peace process adapting political and social transformation. The most immediate challenge ahead is to integrate and rehabilitate Maoist combatants where necessary support would be provided from the UN.”
“In this regard, the recent establishment of a special committee to supervise, integrates and rehabilitates Maoist army combatants are indeed, a step head. I encourage the parties represented on the committee to ensure that it begins its work as soon as possible. I also call on the government to move quickly on the formal discharge of minors and disqualified combatants. I wish to assure my personal support and that of the entire UN system for Nepal’s political, economic and social transition,” added he
Regarding the new constitution, he said, “It must be drafted as soon as possible. It is difficult as well as rewarding which would address number of controversial issues; you owe this to your people as they need to see improvements in governance. Moreover, federal state that empowers different ethnic groups need to be developed identifying unity where all parties should honor their commitments to peace process respecting the rules of democratic government and human rights.”
“The people need to feel the benefits of a peace. They need better access to employment opportunities, health care and education with improvements in governance reaching the Millennium Development Goals and address the problems of climate change,” asserted he
Ban arrived in Nepal on 31 Ocotber where he met President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, Constituent members, former Prime Minister Grija Prasad Koirala etc.