United Nations: Condoling the death of
former Nepalese Premier Girija Prasad Koirala, UN Secretary-
General Ban Ki-moon today said it is a "huge loss" for Nepal
and the ongoing peace process there.
Ban said the 87-year-old Nepali Congress leader, who
passed away this afternoon in Kathmandu, would be remembered
"as a strong voice of multilateralism."
"Mr Koirala's death is a huge loss for Nepal and its
ongoing peace process. As a friend of the United Nations and a
staunch believer in its ideals and principles, Koirala will be
remembered as a strong voice of multilateralism and global
cooperation," Ban said in a statement here.
It also noted that Koirala led the nation's labour and
democratic movement of the 20th century and "fought fearlessly
and at considerable personal sacrifice for justice and
democratic rights in his country."
"His courageous and resolute leadership played a
central role in the People's Movement of 2005- 2006 and to the
ending of the 10-year armed conflict," the statement said.
Ban said he was grateful for Koirala's unwavering
support to the United Nations for its role in the peace
process and human rights work in Nepal.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, March 20, 2010, 23:52