Visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca Saturday threatened to put Maoists on a terrorist list if their violence continues. “Although the Maoists have not been put on any terrorist list, this step may be taken into consideration if their violence continues unabated,” she said.

Washington is concerned that differences in political parties are exacerbating the problems in Nepal. “We are concerned about the continuous violence in Nepal that seems to be exacerbated by the distance between political parties,” she added, asking political parties “to take a united stand against the escalating political violence that is a threat to the democratic stability.”

“We are issuing a strong call for the end of the violence, which we condemn. It is imperative that the Maoists enter into peaceful dialogue with the government so that Nepal’s democracy and economy may flourish,” Rocca said.

She asked the Maoists to lay down their arms. She said the US will continue to help Nepal to fight the communist insurgency. “Assistance will be in the form of a package including equipment, supplies and training for the Nepalese security forces. The training will also include a strong human rights element,” she said.

“We are involved in a close, continuing dialogue with India and other concerned countries that want to see constitutional rule and multi-party democracy continue and want to see a peaceful and prosperous Nepal,” she added.

“The tactics currently employed by the Maoists insurgents are reminiscent of the tactics of Pol Pot in the indiscriminate taking of innocents lives, including the forced recruitment and victimization of innocent children. These tactics are in complete violation of human rights and indefensible. If you employ terrorist tactics, then you are, in fact, a terrorist,” she said.

She condemned the ongoing Maoist-sponsored strike in schools in the Kathmandu valley. Rocca leaves for Pakistan Sunday.