US supports peace process, unhappy with Maoists activities

Kathmandu, Nov 7 (UNI) The United States has said it '''fully supports the ongoing peace process and hopes that it will lead to a democratic, peaceful, and prosperous Nepal.'' A press release issued by the US embassy in Kathmandu today said, ''Given this support, the US embassy must condemn ongoing Maoist extortion and violence, especially illegal demands that Kathmandu residents house and feed cadre before and on the day of a large-scale Maoist rally planned for Friday, November 10.'' ''Like a large number of other Kathmandu residents, a number of employees of this Embassy, as well as several American citizens, have been the target of such demands,'' it said.

The embassy said this extortion, accompanied by violence or threats of future reprisals if the demands were not met, directly contravenes the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) Central Committee press statement following the August 27-31, Plenary Meeting in Kamidanda Village, Kavre district, as well as a number of other statements by senior Maoist leaders.

Nepal's transition to democracy will only be damaged if one party feels it is free to advance its political agenda through violence and threats, despite its commitments to the contrary. By demanding that Kathmandu residents involuntary house and feed cadre in their homes, the Maoists call into question their willingness to participate in good faith in Nepal's political process.

The US Embassy stands with the people of Kathmandu in demanding that the Maoists abide by their promise that donations from average citizens will be strictly voluntary and that any violation of this commitment will be swiftly punished.

The statement comes at a time when the parliamentarians have also raised the issue in Nepal's parliament and peace talks are being held between the seven parties government and the Maoists.

UNI XC SI RN2104