Nepal king must initiate dialogue with parties: Donald Camp

Kathmandu, Mar 9 (UNI) The US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Donald Camp today said the Nepal King must reconcile with the political parties and restore democracy in the country.

Reiterating the US policy at the end of his two-day visit of Nepal, he said, ''We firmly believe that the Maoists must abandon violence and the King must reach out and reconcile with the parties if we are to see a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Nepal''.

The US, like India and the UK has been urging the King to restore democracy in the Himalayan Kingdom since the King assumed power in February last year.

Without participation and support of the political parties there is no point in holding Parliamentary Elections, he said replying a question about the government's plan to hold election next year.

''We have said that the recently held local polls were a hollow framework. Without the participation of the parties, one cannot expect elections that can be considered free and fair. The same would go for the next year's Parliamentary Elections,'' Mr Camp said.

''If they are not held with parties' participation with the support of the political parties it is hard to see how they could restore democracy to this country,'' he said.

''The situation here is what we are concerned about.

We share common goals of restoration of democracy in Nepal'' he added.

''Degree of pressure that the international community is exerting...I think the message is that the international community is united. The friends of Nepal round the world believe that more needs to be done but foremost democracy must be restored this is the critical requirement,'' said Mr Camp.

Mr Camp met with leaders of the political parties, the King, government officials, and members of the civil society today.

He was not permitted to meet with UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, who is still under house arrest.

''I regret very much that the government did not allow me to meet Nepal,'' Mr Camp pointed out.

Asked about the Maoists and the seven parties agreement, he said ''Parties are hopeful that the pact is a path back towards the Maoists abandoning violence and coming to the political scene in Kathmandu. Should that work out then I would have to say that would be something to be applauded. But you can excuse us for being a little sceptical of Maoist intentions at this point''.

''Human rights situation is deteriorating and the King's February 1 move certainly contributed to that. We are not in position to impose deadline for the King to return to democratic process. But restoration of democracy is the urgent need of the country to confront with the Maoists,'' he said.

''I can't express optimism or pessimism over the improvement of situation in the country. I hope I can say I am optimistic...but we are hopeful that there will be a breakthrough,'' Mr Camp added.

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