US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Richard Boucher

Talking to journalists at the Tribhuvan International Airport upon his arrival this afternoon, Boucher said the US is ready to extend any support for the development and institutionalization of democracy in Nepal.

He also urged the Maoists to initiate dialogue for peaceful settlement of Maoist insurgency that has claimed the lives of more than 11,000 Nepalis.

Boucher further said that there no change in the stance of US about Maoists.

Boucher is scheduled to meet King Gyanendra later this afternoon. He will also hold discussion with the Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and other key political leaders and civil society representatives about the political development of the country before leaving Nepal on Wednesday.

This is Boucher’s first visit to Nepal after his appointment as Assistant Secretary of State. Boucher is scheduled to address a press conference in Kathmandu on Wednesday morning. Boucher will submit report about Nepal in the Senate after he returns to America.

Earlier, reports quoted Boucher as saying that the US would consider renewing military aid to Nepal, but the assistance would depend on the army’s support of the political process here.

The US along with India and UK had stalled military assistance to Nepal following the February 1 royal takeover of the last year.