The Government of Nepal's Seizure of Radio Equipment

October 25, 2005

Press Statement
Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Department of State
Washington, DC
October 24, 2005

The United States is deeply disappointed and concerned by the shocking seizure at gunpoint of radio equipment from the Kathmandu office of Kantipur FM Station, an independent FM radio station, by state authorities on October 21.

A free media is one of the hallmarks of a democratic nation, and the Government of Nepall's recent call for national elections rings hollow if other democratic institutions are systematically dismantled.

Reestablishment of a democratic government united against the Maoist insurgency is the best path to restoring peace. The United States calls on the King and the government to move quickly toward restoring multi-party democratic institutions, protecting civil and human rights, and reaching out to the political parties in dialogue.

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