US warns its citizens to exercise caution before visiting Nepal

Kathmandu, May 8 (UNI) The US embassy today warned its citizens to exercise caution before visiting Nepal, citing continued Maoists violence, extortion and abduction even after their entry into the interim government.

''It is concerned about the security situation in Nepal and we urge the American citizens planning a visit to Nepal to obtain updated security information before they travel,'' American embassy stated in a release issued here.

It urged its citizens who are presently in the country to be careful and not to leave their houses if demonstrations were being held.

''Despite the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement between the Government and the Maoists which led to their entry into the interim government, they still continue to engage in violence, extortion, and abductions,'' the embassy added.

''The Maoists freely roam the countryside and cities, sometimes openly bearing their weapons. The Young Communist League, which is a sub-group of the Maoists, continues to extort and abuse people, including the Kathmandu-based personnel of a US Non Governmental Organisation,'' it said.

''Given the nature, intensity and unpredictability of disturbances, American citizens have been urged to exercise special caution during times when demonstrations are announced and avoid areas where demonstrations are occurring or crowds are forming. They should avoid roads and maintain a low profile,'' the release said.

Despite being a member of the ruling party, the Maoists are still termed a ''terrorist organisation'' by the US.

UNI