Return to pre-1990 Nepal unacceptable: Donald Camp
Winding up his three-day Nepal visit, US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South Asian Affairs, Donald A Camp, has said that the world and the US would find the return to a pre-1990 Nepal unacceptable.
Addressing a press meet in Kathmandu on Tuesday afternoon, he also urged for unity between the King and all legitimate political forces. Camp said that his government had called on the political parties to unite to return to multiparty democracy and to address the Maoist insurgency, as well as Nepal’s serious challenges in economic development.
Camp also reiterated the US stand that the King’s actions of February 1 were a big step backward for democracy. Calling political parties an engine of democracy, Camp said, “Political party leaders recently have taken steps toward unity and we believe the King should respond to the parties’ initiative and reach out to them.”
“Despite the state of emergency being lifted at the end of April and the subsequent release of most detainees, we continue to see curbs on political freedom and other civil liberties,” he said, adding, “In today’s world, leaders who stand in the way of democracy do no service for their people.”
He also said that to truly serve the Nepali people leaders must subordinate their own interests to the needs of the public.
About the Maoists, he said they are the most serious, immediate threat to a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Nepal. Saying the Maoists will not win an armed struggle, he urged them to cease atrocities, lay down arms and come to peaceful negotiations.
Regarding military assistance to the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA), Camp said that his government has delayed a shipment of M-16 rifles to the RNA, adding, however, that the US engagement with the RNA “continues”.
“The US also recognizes the difficulties the RNA faces in countering the insurgents’ campaign of violence. US military assistance aims to help professionalize the RNA and has included training in such areas as the rules of engagement, investigating alleged human rights abuses and battlefield medical skills,” he said.
Camp who arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday “to consult directly with the (US) embassy and to discuss bilateral issues with government officials, media and the civil society”, met King Gyanendra, cabinet vice-chairmen duo Dr Tulsi Giri and Kirtinidhi Bista, foreign affairs minister Ramesh Nath Pandey, opposition leaders, and security officials before leaving Kathmandu this evening.
nepalnews.com Prakash Dhakal June 28 05
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