US ambassador Powell meets with Prachanda

In what is seen as the first official contact between the United States official and the leadership of the Maoist party, the US ambassador Nancy Powell met with Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda, on Thursday.

Maoist chairman Prachanda (File photo)

"US ambassador met, yesterday, with CPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal to discuss the outcome of the April 10 elections, CPN-M plans for the Constituent Assembly, and the future of US-Nepal relations. This was their first meeting," states a press release issued by the US embassy in Kathmandu on Friday morning.

The US government has labeled the Maoists as a foreign terrorist organization.

US ambassador Nancy Powell (File photo)

The meeting occurred in advance of Powell's return to the United States for consultations on US-Nepal relations. She is leaving Nepal on Friday.

"Powell provided an overview of current US government assistance to Nepal designed to help create a more prosperous, democratic, and stable Nepal. She sought assurances that the new government would respect current donor agreements and ensure the safety of those implementing them," the press release adds.

"She encouraged Dahal to ensure that all Maoist organizations illustrate their commitment to the political process through their words and actions."

Powell's meeting with Prachanda came amid Maoists' statements that they will lead the next government.

The Maoists had emerged as the single largest party through the April 10 Constituent Assembly election. nepalnews.com sd May 02 08