Bush Administration must recognise Maoist's victory in Nepal: Carter

Kathmandu, Apr 12 : Criticising the Bush Administration's policy not to engage in parleys with the Maoists in Nepal, former US President Jimmy Carter on Saturday said that if Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M) does well in the Constituent Assembly, the US must recognise it.

He also said that the outcome of the elections would "truly represent the aspirations of the people".

"The Carter Centre found that the majority of Nepali voters participated in a remarkable and relatively peaceful constituent assembly election on April 10, 2008. Preliminary reports indicate that the administration of this election was well executed, bearing testimony to the hard work of election officials and the determination of Nepal's people to ensure that their country continues on the path to sustainable peace and democracy," the former US President said reading out from a statement issued by the centre.

Carter further said that for Nepal it is essential "to remain calm, to await final results, and where there are disputes, to follow appropriate legal procedures."

He added that his centre would continue to observe the district counting and national tabulation until they are complete.

"We encourage all Nepalis to remain actively involved in the drafting of the constitution to ensure that the process is transparent, accountable and inclusive," nepalnews.com quoted Carter, as saying.

ANI