Boucher says US is reviewing terror tag on Nepal Maoists

Kathmandu, Feb 12 (ANI): Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda and visiting United States Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher today discussed the removal of the terror tag on the Maoist party.

Talking to reporters after the meeting with Prachanda, Boucher said the discussions he had with Prachanda were constructive and said the US was looking forward to having a 'very good relationship with Nepal'.

He also said the US would like to support the government in its development efforts and in the constitution-making process.

Boucher, who arrived around mid-day on Wednesday for a two-day visit, also met Nepali Congress (NC) president Girija Prasad Koirala.

Discussing a list of threats to democracy with Boucher, Koirala said Nepal democracy was in risk as the Maoists were was involved in attacking the press and the judiciary.

Koirala also told Boucher that the law and order situation of the country was not good.

Earlier, in a meeting with finance minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, Boucher had committed US assistance to economic development. The USA is particularly keen to support projects in agriculture, road and infrastructure and hydro-power in Nepal.

Boucher is scheduled to meet president Dr. Ram Baran Yadav later today, Nepalnews reported.

Boucher is the senior most US official to visit Nepal after the establishment of the Maoist-led government. (ANI)