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“Moriarty’s Statement Endangered the Peace”
-- PRAKASH MAN SINGH
PRAKASH MAN SINGH , General Secretary of Nepali Congress (Democratic), has termed the recent remarks of US ambassador James A Moriarty as against the peace process and restoration of Loktantra (Democracy). Addressing a program in the Reporter’s Club, Singh urged the US and other western democracies to continue to support for their genuine cause.
On Moriarty’s Remarks on Reconciliation
I don’t understand reason behind US ambassador Moriarty’s remarks. How can we reconcile with an autocrat King who dismissed elected government and all party government in the past putting us behind bar under political charges. American ambassador must press King Gyanendra to give up his authority and hold on power. If Moriarty presses the King to agree on Constituent Assembly, then the process of negotiations will begin. We know that the US has been supporting us to restore the democracy but Moriarty’s recent statement strengthens King’s autocratic rule jeopardizing seven party-Maoists alliance aimed at restoring long lasting peace in the country.
On Seven Parties and Maoist Alliance
Since Maoist leaders have already agreed that they will give up their arms, there is nothing to fear about their intentions. Seven political parties have made hard efforts to bring the Maoists to the peaceful process. I don’t understand why American ambassador Moriarty has such distrust on the Maoist leadership. If he gives benefit of doubt to the King, why the same cannot apply to Maoists. Although I was in prison when seven parties and Maoists signed the understanding, twelve-point agreement was one of the milestones to bring peace and normalcy in the country.
On Political Process
The seven parties Maoists agreement has clearly mentioned that their agreement is directed against the autocratic regime of King Gyanendra. I am certain that there is no other way than to have joint front with Maoists to pull down the autocratic regime. The US ambassador Moriarty must read the words and contents of Maoists and seven parties alliance.
Commitment to the Agreement
Our party is fully committed to the Maoists-seven parties agreement. We believe that only through the implementation of the agreement the country will have peace and restoration of democracy. The interference by the US ambassador on the peace process will further complicate the situation. We need the support of US to end violence and implement the agreement but not to break it. When Maoists have reiterated strong commitment towards the peace and multi-party democracy, there is no reason to suspect them.
On Maoist Violence
We are not supporting the violence of Maoists. We have called Maoists to maintain restraint and they have been doing so. Had King’s government reciprocated unilateral cease-fire of the Maoists, the country would not have to face the present situation. I humbly request US ambassador Moriarty to convince the King to give up his absolute power to the people and agree to the demand of constituent assembly. We have already listened enough lectures. Moriarty must understand that the political parties have sided with the Maoists to transform autocratic monarchy. The western countries do not understand the reality of Nepal ’s situation where monarchy has always betrayed democratic forces appointing the puppet government whenever the democratic forces are weakened. In the present situation, autocratic monarchy is more dangerous than the Maoists. The US ambassador Moriarty must understand this before teaching democratic forces about the need for reconciliation with the King. How can we reconcile with the King when he still puts hundreds of workers and political leaders in house arrest holding the bogus elections. Does Moriarty want us to support the despotic king and his rule?
9/22/2005
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