U.S. Embassy Expresses Condolences, Calls for all to Support Electoral Code of Conduct

March 20, 2008   

The United States Embassy expresses its deep condolences to the families of those political figures killed in recent days in Banke and Rolpa districts, including Kamal Prasad Adhkari, a candidate for the Rastriya Jana Morcha party in Banke-2 constituency, who died yesterday morning, March 19, after being shot at his home hours before, allegedly by members of an armed Madhesi group.  We also regret the attacks, abductions and other threats which are undermining the electoral process.  We abhor such acts of violence and intimidation from any quarter, and call for an end to violence by armed groups in the Terai and by the Maoists and their Young Communist League.  We urge all Nepalis to observe the Electoral Code of Conduct and to support an atmosphere in which a free and fair Constituent Assembly election can be held on April 10.  The United States remains committed to doing its part to assist Nepal with this historic election.

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