Even as the crucial peace talks between the government of Nepal and the Maoists is underway, the US Embassy in Kathmandu has issued a strong-worded condemnation against Maoist intimidation of Kathmandu residents, US citizens and embassy employees.

“The United States fully supports the ongoing peace process and hopes that it will lead to a democratic, peaceful, and prosperous Nepal. Given this support, the U.S. Embassy must condemn ongoing Maoist extortion and violence, especially illegal demands that Kathmandu residents house and feed cadre before and on the day of a large-scale Maoist rally planned for Friday, November 10,” states a press release issued by the embassy.

“Like a large number of other Kathmandu residents, a number of employees of this Embassy, as well as several American citizens, have been the target of such demands. This extortion, accompanied by violence or threats of future reprisals if the demands are not met, directly contravenes the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) Central Committee press statement following the August 27-31, 2006 Plenary Meeting in Kamidanda Village, Kavre district, as well as a number of other statements by senior Maoist leaders,” the release further states.

The press statement further states that “Nepal’s transition to democracy only be damaged if one party feels it is free to advance its political agenda through violence and threats, despite its commitments to the contrary.”

“By demanding that Kathmandu residents involuntary house and feed cadre in their homes, the Maoists call into question their willingness to participate in good faith in Nepal’s political process,” the statement writes in reference to news reports that Maoist cadres are forcefully seeking shelter and food from residents of Kathmandu valley ahead of their planned mass meeting in Kathmandu on November 10 when Maoist chairman Prachanda is slated to make a historic speech.

“The U.S. Embassy stands with the people of Kathmandu in demanding that the Maoists abide by their promise that donations from average citizens will be strictly voluntary and that any violation of this commitment will be swiftly punished,” the statement adds.

The US Embassy’s statement has come in the wake of fierce criticism of Maoists by the parliamentarians at the House of Representatives meeting for forcefully seeking food and shelter from the valley residents.