World bank reaffirms support

The World Bank is exploring -- together with the government and other stakeholders -- how to reallocate funds from the Emergency Peace Support Project can most effectively complement the Emergency Peace Support Project and peace efforts.
It 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.
A Bank today concluded a periodic review of the Project. The team also held discussions with senior government 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 Project. The Bank will also continue to support peace-building through the development programmes it finances in Nepal.
"Implementing peace accords is not always easy but the Bank stands by its commitment to supporting Nepal in the implementation of its Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA)," 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 and the Bank's commitment to it.
"The 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.
They 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.
Yesterday finance minister Surendra Pandey has clarified that the WOrld Bank is not willing to provide monetary assistance to the PLA fighters who are in Cantonment.