Press Releases

UNDER SECRETARY:  MAOIST IMPUNITY         
AND ETHNIC DIVISIONS WORRY U.S.

March 10, 2007

Henrietta H. Fore, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Management, told reporters today in Kathmandu the U.S. Government is worried by two trends that, “if unresolved, threaten Nepal’s democratic progress.”.

She identified the trends as the “continuing failure of Maoists to renounce violence, extortion, and intimidation,” and “growing unrest” among different ethnic groups in the country. The Under Secretary, on a March 9-10 visit to Nepal, spoke with reporters at the American Center along with U.S. Ambassador James F. Moriarty.

Here is the text of the statement, as prepared for delivery, that Under Secretary Fore made to reporters:

Since the People’s Movement last April, events in Nepal have moved forward rapidly. Parliament was reinstated, a Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed, and an Interim Parliament formed.  These are impressive achievements.  The United States, like other friends of Nepal, applauds Nepal’s progress and wishes it further success.

Of course, significant challenges remain.  In following events here, my government has become worried by two trends that, if unresolved, threaten Nepal’s democratic progress.
The first is the continuing failure of the Maoists to renounce violence, extortion, and intimidation.  The Maoists are now members of the Interim Parliament, and they have proclaimed their commitment to democracy.  Yet what have we seen?

Violence and intimidation continue.  Impunity continues.  When my colleague, Assistant Secretary Richard Boucher, was here last November, he talked about this same issue and told reporters: “… you don’t walk into Parliament with a gun in your pocket.”   Sadly – and incredibly – the Maoists recently proved that statement wrong.

The prescription for this issue is simple, however.  The Maoists themselves must finally renounce violence and begin acting like a mainstream political party.  If they cannot, then the United States believes they do not deserve membership in a coalition government whose other partners play by the rules of civility and non-violence.

The second trend that worries my government is the growing unrest among various ethnic groups in Nepal. Unity and inclusiveness are central for Nepal’s democratic transition and its future.  Various groups are clamoring for dialogue.  The United States hopes that Nepal’s leaders can find an effective and transparent manner to engage them.

The United States values its relationship with Nepal, and we support a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future for your country.  As I told the Prime Minister earlier today, we stand ready to help.

Thank you.