U.S. Ambassador to Nepal James F. Moriarty's Statement to Media in New Delhi

November 17, 2005

Dear editors: U.S. Ambassador to Nepal James F. Moriarty met with reporters in New Delhi earlier today.  Here is a copy of a statement that was distributed at that meeting.

It is a pleasure to be back in New Delhi. 

The United States and India share a common goal for Nepal - to help it restore peace, prosperity, and democracy for the Nepalese people.   Because of this goal, I have come here for two days to meet with colleagues in the U.S. Embassy and officials in the Indian Government.

My visit is part of the latest in a series of discussions with Indian Government officials on the situation and developments in Nepal.  Such regular diplomatic exchanges help us coordinate efforts where practicable to support our similar vision for Nepal.

In this regard, I met with Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran.  We discussed the continued need for the King to reach out to the political parties to find an effective way to work toward restoring democracy and to address the threat of the Maoist insurgency.   I told him that the United States welcomes attempts by Nepal's political parties to convince the insurgents to rejoin the political mainstream.  I noted that the political parties have publicly ruled out any formal relationship with the insurgents, unless and until the Maoists firmly renounce violence, put down their weapons, and commit to supporting the democratic process.

Our discussion was friendly and constructive, and we expressed broad agreement on the way forward on Nepal.

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