U.S. EMBASSY WELCOMES INTERIM CONSTITUTION

January 17, 2007                                                            

The U.S. Embassy congratulates the people of Nepal on their new Interim Constitution.  We hope it will lay the groundwork for free and fair elections to a Constituent Assembly and move the country toward full-fledged and lasting democracy.

The United States supports completion of a credible and transparent process of arms management, supervised by United Nations monitors, before an Interim Government of Nepal is formed.   We also urge the Maoists to use the opportunity of joining the Interim Legislature to finally abandon the tactics of violence, intimidation, and extortion inflicted on the Nepali people for 11 years.

The United States remains committed to help Nepal build a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future for its people.