US worried by continuing Maoist violence and growing ethnic unrest

A senior official of the Bush administration has said that the United States government is worried with two particular trends in current situation in Nepal, - the continuing Maoist violence and growing ethnic unrest.

Addressing a media roundtable with select journalists at the American Center in Kathmandu, Saturday morning, Henrietta H. Fore, Under Secretary of State for Management, said that the two trends, if unresolved, threaten Nepal's democratic progress.

"The Maoists are now members of the interim parliament, and they have proclaimed their commitment to democracy. Yet, what have we seen? Violence and intimidation continue. Impunity continues," she said. She added that the Maoists themselves must finally renounce violence and begin acting like a mainstream political party. "If they cannot, then the United States believes they do not deserve membership in a coalition government whose other partners play by the rules of civility and non-violence," she said.

Likewise, American ambassador James Moriarty said that the US government supports the position taken by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala that the Maoists must change their behavior before they are taken in the interim government.

The visiting US official – who is the senior-ost Bush administration official to visit Nepal since April change – added that the growing unrest among various ethnic groups in Nepal has also worried the US. "Unity and inclusiveness are central for Nepal's democratic transition and its future. Various groups are clamoring for dialogue. The United States hopes that Nepal's leaders can find an effective and transparent manner to engage them," she said.

Earlier this morning, the US official met with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. She said she told the PM that US stands ready to help Nepal on its move towards a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future. Issues like arms management, commitments made by the Maoists and people's need for safe and secure environment were also discussed during the meeting.

The US delegation also went to the Election Commission on Saturday morning where equipment worth $200,000 were handed over. "This is on top of $2.7 million already given to the EC," said Moriarty.

On the issue of Bhutanese refugees, Ambassador Moriarty said that he welcomes Nepal government's decision to allow the beginning of the process of resettling them. The US has offered to resettle 60,000 of the refugees. "We will, however, continue to push the Bhutanese government for the repatriation," Moriarty said. npalnews.com sd Mar 10 07

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