Ban pledges U.N. support for Nepalese

KATHMANDU, Nepal, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Saturday he will continue the United Nations' support for Nepal.

Speaking to a special meeting of the Constituent Assembly, the U.N. leader said he continues to observe the peace process, the eKantipur reported Saturday.

"I have been, and will continue to watch with great interest, the peace process and its achievements, and to pledge the (United Nations) continued strong support," he said.

The U.N. Peacebuilding Fund has released $10 million to the U.N. Peace Fund for Nepal.

"This money will finance local peace-building programs," Ban said. "It will also help to reintegrate former combatants, generate youth employment and put other measures in place."