US ambassador to Nepal, James F Moriarty, has said India has a big role to play in resolving Maoist problem in Nepal.

Addressing a talk programme on the theme, “US foreign policy after 9/11” organized by Nepal Council of World Affairs and the American Center in the capital on Friday, Moriarty said US was working closely with India to ensure that Maoists do not get outside help and are never able to take over the capital.

“The Maoists must realize that military victory is not going to come for them,” said Moriarty. He also called upon the international community to pressurize Nepali Maoists to come to the negotiating table. He said such an atmosphere could be created by condemning Maoist atrocities, reports said.

Responding to a question regarding the proposed UN mediation in resolving the Nepal conflict, Moriarty said, “My government is not taking a position on that.” He, however, said he thought that Nepal did not want third party involvement in resolving the crisis.

The US envoy also called upon constitutional forces in Nepal to unite for seeking solution to the problem of insurgency. “The Maoists should not be allowed to participate in the elections until they give up arms,” he added.

The US wants a peaceful, prosperous Nepal where multi-party democracy is recognized and constitutional monarchy is acknowledged, said Moriarty. He also informed that US had provided assistance worth US $ 22 million to Nepal over the last three years to tackle the insurgency. nepalnews.com by Sep 11 04