US urges Maoists to stop forceful recruitment of children

Kathmandu, Nov 20 (UNI) The United States has denounced the continued forced recruitment of Nepalis - including children - into the armed ranks of the Maoists.

The American embassy in Kathmandu, in a press release issued here today, said that such action violated all human rights norms and directly contravenes the spirit and letter of agreements the insurgents signed with the Government of Nepal.

''As the Maoists are poised to enter an interim government, it is strange and troubling that they continue to harass the very people they claim they would serve in office.'' The embassy urged the Maoists to end this practice immediately and all other forms of violence, intimidation, and extortion.

''All of these flout the rule of law and violate basic human rights,'' it said.

The Nepali people have lived in fear for eleven years. It is time to remove this fear and show basic respect for all Nepali citizens and their fundamental rights, the release said.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala had yesterday also urged the Maoists to stop such practices.

There are reports of that youths were being recruited in various parts of the country. Howver, the Maoists denied any such recruitment is taking places.

UNI XC SHB DB2236