Kathmandu (PTI): The UN has underlined the important role of Nepal in setting in motion a crucial process for the resettlement of the Bhutanese refugees staying in the Himalayan state.

The UNHCR-Nepal has welcomed the issuance of exit permits by the interim government to Bhutanese refugees who have opted for third country resettlement saying, "it was an important step towards finding a solution to the 17-year-old refugees problem."

"Thousands of Bhutanese refugees have applied for third country resettlement and the UNHCR has submitted the details of 10,000 refugees for resettlement to different countries," a statement issued by UNHCR-Nepal office said.

The refugees are currently in various stages of the resettlement process, ranging from interviews to extensive medical examination, it said.

The UN agency said the group resettlement process has been gaining momentum since it started late last year.

After 16 rounds of ministerial talks between Nepal and Bhutan failed to repatriate even a single refugee, the US government offered to accept some 60,000 refugees under its third country resettlement programme. The first batch of refugees are likely to fly to the US in March.

Canada has indicated it will accept up to 5,000 refugees for resettlement. Other countries interested to help in the process include Australia, Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Norway.

The refugees are sharply divided over the resettlement issue leading to frequent clashes between those opposing the third country resettlement and those in favour of it.