US embassy express concern over Prachanda's allegation

Kathmandu, Mar 9 (UNI) The US Embassy in Kathmandu has expressed deep concern over a public allegation of a plot to assassinate US officials posted in Nepal.

The Maoist leader Prachanda raised this issue yesterday at a mass meeting in Pokhara.

According to the media reports Prachand alleged there is a plot to kill US officials in Kathmandu and blame the Maoists.

Reacting to the his statement, the US embassy in its press release today said, ''The security of American citizens in Nepal is the Embassy's highest priority." "Therefore, if the Maoist leader has evidence to support his statement, then he should immediately share that information with the Embassy and with the appropriate police authorities. This is the proper way to deal with such matters. If he has no such information, then his remarks are both irresponsible and dangerous.'' "We again urge the Maoists to contribute to a peaceful democratic transition in Nepal by renouncing violence, once and for all" the statement further said.

UNI