Kathmandu: The foreign ministry of the Russian Federation has issued a statement condemning the recent spate of violence unleashed by the Maoists.

The press release issued by the ministry reads in part: “According to the information coming from Nepal, alarming situation is arising in the country: illegal leftist extremist opposition announced of breaking the truce that was achieved several month ago and resumed combat operations against the Government forces. As a result of the extremists’ armed actions in various districts of the country several hundred people including civilians have been killed. In one of the towns the airport was seized in the rebellion assault and a helicopter piloted by Russian crew was burned (fortunately no one of the crewmembers was injured). On November 26 the authorities imposed State of Emergency.”

The statement reiterates further that “The Russian Federation, while resolutely condemning terrorism in principle, is observing with anxiety a new round of violence initiated by the leftist extremists in Nepal. We support firm intentions of the Nepalese Government aimed at securing sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

The RF hopes that that the “ideas of dialogue and national consensus will prevail in the Kingdom, violence and bloodshed will be stopped, law and order will be restored.”

The press release was issued in Moscow, on November 27, 2001, last week.