US renews commitment to assist Nepal

May 3, 2006
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The visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Richard A Boucher, has said his country is looking forward to provide extend political, economic and security assistance to Nepal by consulting the new democratic government led by prime minister GP Koirala.

Addressing a press meet organized in the capital on Wednesday morning at the conclusion of his nearly 20-hour-long visit to Nepal, Mr. Boucher said, Maoists must renounce violence and join the political process for the peace and stability in Nepal, adding, “If they are sincere, they have good opportunity to do so.”
Responding to a query whether the US supports or opposes the (possible) Maoist takeover of Nepal, Mr. Boucher said, “We oppose it because we oppose any kind of takeover of Nepal. Getting the people of Nepal to choose their govt. is what we want”

Anyone who wants to give up violence, lay down their arms and become part of the political process should be able to participate and it is the responsibility of the Nepal government to offer choices to the people of Nepal, Boucher added.

Commenting on the issue of removing Maoists from the terrorist list as the government is initiating peace process with the Maoists, Boucher said, I don’t think we can forget the history of Maoists and the group; what they have done to villages, what they continue to do in the villages even when there was ceasefire in Kathmandu.

“They killed people, they extorted money from people, so, our removing them from any terrorist list is not going to happen until they stop such behaviour. It’s not the question of what they say in the press or what they do temporarily. The only way to be sure of that is (for the Maoists) to lay down their arms, join in the political process and present themselves to the people of Nepal as the other people, other candidates do. It’s really the change of behaviour we are looking for, “ he added.

On the recent political development of the country, Boucher said it is important for the parties to stay unified, for the political leaders to carry out their pledges. “There is a lot of work, a lot of things to do right now. If the parties stay unified and bring the country to that process, then I don’t have much fear what would happen in an election.”

“Through their efforts for democracy, the people of Nepal have won a great victory for themselves and for future generations. Now, it is up to the reinstated parliament, in close contact with the people, to lead the way forward to form an effective, responsive, and lasting democratic government, and to chart a way forward to bring peace to your country,” Boucher said.

On the role of monarchy in the changed political scenario, Boucher said the US saw some virtue in ceremonial monarchy, but many others might not at this point, so the decision is in the hands of people of Nepal and their political leaders, adding, “Rather than people from outside, (it would be good that) decisions are made by the people of Nepal within the country.”

Boucher said that the US is ready to support Nepal in political, economic and security areas and added that each of these things will be led by the political leaders of the government of Nepal.

“We will talk to them how we can support the political process, how we can support the economic needs of Nepal and how we can support the security needs of Nepal including the assistance to the (Royal Nepalese) Army. In all these areas, civilian leadership, the political leadership of Nepal will have to tell us what they need and when they need it,” he added.

He said that the King made a very difficult situation for the people of Nepal and political parties to work together and added, it is ultimately to the people to decide the ceremonial or other role to the monarchy through the election of the constituent assembly.

Commenting on not getting audience of the King, he said he is here to meet the political parties, political leaders and people of Nepal so he engaged his time for these purpose rather than anything else.

“I had a limited time in Nepal. The question before us was how best to spend my time and I wanted to see the political parties, I wanted to see the political leaders, I wanted to see the people in whose hands decisions of the future of this country now rests,” Boucher told journalists at a press conference.

Mr. Boucher further said that during his meeting with senior Nepali officials and political leaders including newly appointed premier GP Koirala, he stressed America’s long-standing friendship with Nepal and its people, and the US interest in doing whatever it could to assist Nepal as she moves forward “into what we all hope will be an era marked by peace and economic development.”

He also congratulated Nepali media for its dedication to media freedom, to informing fellow citizens and to helping build a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Nepal.

He met the newly-appointed prime minister, army chief and political leaders during his 20-hour long stay to Nepal.

On the occasion, matters relating to the contemporary political situation, bilateral interest and mutual concern were discussed.