US Asst Sec Boucher on a 2 day visit to Nepal

Kathmandu, May 2: US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher arrived here today on a two-day visit after the end of direct rule of King Gyanendra.

Talking to mediapersons at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Mr Boucher said he was here to deliberate on issues like strengthening democracy and maintaining peace in Nepal with the leaders.

He also urged the Maoists to give up violence and terror and join the peaceful political process.

Mr Boucher is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, senior leaders of the political parties, King Gyanendra and senior officials.

This is Mr Boucher's first visit to Nepal after his appointment as Assistant Secretary of State and he is the first official visiting Nepal after the end of King's direct rule.

UNI