Maoists’ acts not conducive for peace: Moriarty

September 14, 2006
2 MIN READ
A
A+
A-

US ambassador to Nepal James F Moriarty has said Maoist activities are not conducive to peace.

US ambassador to Nepal James F Moriarty (File photo)

US ambassador to Nepal James F Moriarty (File photo)
Accusing the rebels of threatening people in various places, he urged them to stop extortion and join the peace process.

Talking to journalists in Mahenranagar, Wednesday, Moriarty, who is on a visit to the mid and far western regions said the rebels cannot claim to be a political party until they surrender arms.

Moriarty said he was hopeful the Maoists, too, will take part in the peace process.

“The fundamental concern of the time is whether or not the Maoists are ready to lay down arms,” he said, adding, “Free and fair elections of cannot be possible until they give up arms.”

Terming the Maoists’ arms an issue to be decided by the Nepali people, he said the US government would not go against the decision of the Nepali people.

He also informed that the US has brought a cooperation package worth $1.2 million to Nepal after the end of the king’s direct rule, adding that the sum would be spent for restoration of peace and tackling natural calamities.

Stating that his visit was meant for understanding the ground reality, Moriarty also met representatives of different parties and businessmen.

Moriarty met district based leaders of the seven parties in Nepalgunj on Tuesday and warned them of the rebels’ recent remarks of launhcing another revolution.

Maoists have been continuing excesses despite signing ceasefire code of conduct signed by the government and the Maoists and various agreements reached with the ruling seven party alliance.