New York

20 July 2006

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Nepal Mission to discuss UN Assistance to the Peace Process

Recent developments have provided an unprecedented opportunity to achieve a negotiated political solution to Nepal's 10-year armed conflict. With that in mind, the Secretary-General has decided to send a team to Nepal to discuss the proposed U.N. assistance in the peace process. Through consultations with all concerned, the mission will seek a common understanding of the nature and scope of responsibilities the United Nations could undertake in the peace process. The assessment team will be led by Mr. Staffan De Mistura and is scheduled to be in Nepal between 26 July and 3 August.