"Nepal has come a long way, but the journey continues, as there are still a number of challenges to overcome. The people of Nepal have taken a stand for democracy and it would be especially inspiring for the entire world to see Nepal, which already makes such a tremendous difference in peacekeeping for others, overcome its own conflict and achieve lasting peace at home." ---United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said at a press conference in Kathmandu on November 1.
Ban's visit to Nepal is a great sign of how interested UN is in our peace process. Though it might have been coincidental to his South Asia tour, his visit to Nepal is the appreciation of a country that saved itself from going downhill.
However, like Ban said the challenge for the political parties is to gather consensus on prime issues like constitution writing and the integration and rehabilitation of the Maoists' combatants.
Let's hope, we Nepalis can actually make Prachanda's vision of a "model for peace" come true. All the best to all parties, regardless of their political affiliation.
