Maoists must renounce violence and disrm: US

Kathmandu, Apr 27 (UNI) The US today urged the Maoists to renounce violence and disarm as the seven parties have announced the election of a Constituent Assembly in Nepal.

The Constituent Assembly could prove an excellent avenue for the Maoists to join the political mainstream and peacefully help address Nepal's problems, the US embassy here said.

''But to participate in any elections, the insurgents first must lay down their arms and renounce violence'' the embassy said in a press statement.

'The people of Nepal deserve nothing less, it added.' The U S Mission looks forward to working with a new Government of Nepal. It will strive to support Nepal as it launches a functioning and effective multiparty democracy, it said.

''We salute their determination and success in creating the conditions leading to the reinstatement of Parliament'', it further said.

The embassy said the Parliament faces numerous challenges in the coming weeks and months. Among other options, it may initiate a Constituent Assembly.

This could prove an excellent avenue for the Maoists to join the political mainstream and peacefully help address Nepal's problems.

UNI XC SB RK1805