American Ambassador to Nepal James F Moriarty speaking at the ‘Nepal-US Relations? talk program organised by the Nepal Council of World Affairs in Kathmandu, Tuesday, Aug 09 05. nepalnews.com/rh

US envoy to Nepal, James F Moriarty, has urged for urgent need for the unity between the king and all legitimate political forces.

Addressing a talk program on ‘Nepal-US Relations’ in the capital Monday afternoon the American envoy said, “Democracy and reconciliation are absolutely vital for Nepal at this point in history.” He also urged the government to restore civil liberties, including freedom of press and freedom of personal expression.

Moriarty reiterated the US stand that the King’s actions of February 1 were a big step backward for democracy. He called on the Palace to reach out to the political parties with sincere proposals that reflect their common agenda of multi-party democracy and constitutional monarchy and a return to full electoral democracy.

Coming down heavily on the performance of the present government, Moriarty said, “Six months after the imposition of direct rule on February 1, with questionable Panchayat-era politicians and even a convicted criminal, the government seems to have gone back on its own principles.” He also suggested the Palace to be ‘serious about its commitment to democracy’ and ‘act so in both word and deed’.

The US envoy also criticized the ‘extra judicial’ RCCC’s Deuba verdict, which he said looked like political vendetta than a serious exercise of judicial authority.

Highlighting performances during the 12 years of democracy in the Himalayan Kingdom, he said Nepal achieved much during the period. He, however, said, ‘young democracies never sail on calm seas.’

“Nepal’s legitimate political parties should bear some of the responsibility for resolving the current crisis,” he said, adding , “While in power, the parties were seen by many Nepalis as squabbling tribes who put partisan and personal interest above the needs of the country. Until they overcome corruption, nepotism, lack of intra-party democracy and lack of transparency, they would not be able to win back the trust and confidence of many Nepalis.”

About the Maoists, he said that they were the greatest enemy of democracy in the Himalayan Kongdom but hoped they one day would become a part of political mainstream and give up arms. “For now their own words and actions say otherwise,” he said.

The talk program was jointly organized by Nepal Council of World Affairs and the Amercian Center, Kathmandu.