Remarks by U.S. Ambassador James F. Moriarty at the Dedication Ceremony for the New U.S. Embassy

July 11, 2007

Prime Minister Koirala, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:

This is a great day for Nepal, and for the United States of America.  As I prepare to depart Nepal after my three-year tenure, I have the distinct honor to dedicate the new United States Embassy here in Kathmandu.  I am especially pleased that the Prime Minister is attending this event as our chief guest.

I also wish to note that Robert Castro of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations is with us.  Mr. Castro is chief of staff to the Bureau’s Director and Chief Operating Officer, General Charles E. Williams, who originally hoped to join us today.  Mr. Castro is here in his place.  Thank you, Robert, for traveling all the way from the United States for our ceremony. 

This is an auspicious occasion.  The construction of this new embassy is an example of the spirit of the American people, and a fitting symbol of America’s commitment to a lasting friendship with Nepal.   This new facility will serve as a platform for diplomacy at its finest.  We now have a modern and beautiful building that meets our security needs and supports our core missions in Nepal:

• promoting and protecting American interests,
• providing service to American citizens in Nepal, as well as Nepalis seeking to travel to the United States,
• and, perhaps most importantly, supporting the development of a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Nepal.

This building began two-and-a-half years ago in 2005 with a groundbreaking ceremony in an empty lot.  Today, we sit in an 80 million dollar, 11,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility.  Along with the design firm, Sorg & Associates, our construction team created a building featuring Nepali culture and showcasing American architecture.  The hand-picked artwork adorning these walls sets a strong American cultural tone, while the embassy grounds incorporate some beautiful varieties of local plant life. 

This facility has a beautiful, spacious chancery, a utility building with state-of-the-art systems, compound access control facilities, enhanced security features, and security guard quarters for our Marine Security Guard Detachment.  This modern and high-tech facility represents the very best of what our country can provide for our American personnel and local employees at an American embassy. 

The building, in both its construction and operation, is also a model for energy efficiency and environmental design, meeting the highest U.S. standards.  The public spaces in the new building are expansive, and the design windows provide a stunning view of the Kathmandu Valley.  At the same time, we recognize the need for safety and security to protect not only the American and Nepali employees who work here, but also the visitors who will come to this Mission. 

In this building, we showcase American architectural design at its finest, wrought by the highest standards of quality construction.  For that excellence, I would like to thank Caddell Inc. of Alabama, our prime American contractor, and its subcontractor, ENKA. 

I would like to specifically recognize our Project Director, Dennis Franco.  Dennis has led his team with ingenuity, patience and attention to detail to see this project through to the end.  I also want to recognize Dennis’ team for all their hard work in making this project a reality.  His team consists of:

 Construction Manager Owen Dunn;
 Site Security Manager Dominic Gagliardi;
 Project Controls Engineer Sholeh Lee;
 Electrical Engineer Tom Lenze;
 Mechanical Engineer Craig Wales;
 and many local staff.

Dennis and his team did a fantastic job on this project, giving us a beautiful facility that meets our high standards for performance and reliability. 

On behalf of the Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, I want to thank the Prime Minister and the Nepali government for their cooperation and support throughout the construction period to help us make this day a reality. 

While we dedicate the Embassy today, our plan is to finish some internal construction requirements and then move in next month, after my successor, Ambassador Nancy Powell, arrives. 

I now have the great honor to introduce our chief guest, Prime Minister Koirala.  Mr. Prime Minister, I am most grateful for your presence here today.  I also wish to take this occasion, on behalf of the United States of America, to thank you for your dedicated efforts in supporting lasting friendship between our two nations.  It has been a distinct honor to work with you.  I wish you all the best in your efforts to serve your country. 

I now ask you to say a few words. 

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