US to continue providing aid to support peace in Nepal: ambassador
17/10/2007 16:26
The United States will continue to provide US$6.8 million to the UN World
Food Program 's operation to support the peace process in Nepal despite its
disappointment over the suspension of the country's Constituent Assembly poll,
local newspaper The Rising Nepal reported today.
"The assistance to the
people of Nepal demonstrates the United States of America's continued support
for a more peaceful and prosperous Nepal," US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell to
Nepal has said yesterday, quoting by the paper. "Through the World Food Program,
the US$6.8 million will be used to improve the lives of Nepalis who continue to
suffer from the effects of years of conflict."
At a cost of nearly US$49
million, the World Food Program's peace and recovery operation aims to provide
food aid and livelihood support to over 1.2 million conflict-affected people in
Nepal who continue to struggle to rebuild their lives.
As part of the effort,
the United States contribution will provide in-kind food aid to over 160,000
people and essential cash resources needed to kick-start the
operation.
"Despite efforts made since the end of the conflict last year,
many people have yet to receive any tangible benefits from the peace process.
They are still hungry, they still lack access to basic services and critical
infrastructure, and opportunities to rebuild their lives. This critical support
from the USA will enable us to reach-out and provide a safety net to these
vulnerable populations during this uncertain time in Nepal's peace process,"
said Richard Ragan, WFP Country Representative in Nepal.
WFP's peace and
recovery activities will be implemented in 28 of the most food-insecure,
conflict-affected districts out of all 75 Nepal districts. Program activities
include rehabilitation and construction of critical infrastructure, return and
rehabilitation packages, and civic education training.
The insurgency
breaking out in Nepal since 1996 and ended in 2006 leaves many people displaced
and vast areas lack of development.
Nepal's Constituent Assembly scheduled on
Nov. 22 was postponed as a result of non-consensus among Nepali ruling parties
towards electoral system and declaring republic prior to the Constituent
Assembly.
Xinhua
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