U.S. EMBASSY BACKS PEACE PROCESS, CA ELECTIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

April 1, 2007

Upon formation of the Interim Government, the U.S. Embassy reaffirms its full support for the peace process in Nepal.  The next step in this process should be the holding of Constituent Assembly elections as quickly as possible.

The government must create an atmosphere for free and fair elections by vigorously enforcing law and order throughout the country.

The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), which to date has refused to abandon violence, must finally do so.  As a partner in the Interim Government, the Maoists must now be held fully accountable for their actions.  They must meet their commitments and at last join the mainstream as a non-violent political party.

The United States also urges the new government to initiate a comprehensive national dialogue with all ethnic groups to hear their grievances and to promote unity.  If the peace process is to succeed, unity must be forged, law and order enforced, and security maintained.  The Nepali people deserve nothing less from their servants – the new Interim Government.