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‘US Will Support All The Efforts Which Will Bring Peace And Stability In Nepal ’
-- STEVEN R. MANN
 STEVEN R. MANN, Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, was recently in Kathmandu in his first visit to Nepal . Mann, who has experience of being involved in a numbers of negotiations, addressed a press conference at the American center last week before leaving for Washington . Excerpts of his remarks:
Purpose of Visit
The purpose of my visit was to understand more fully the state of affairs in Nepal in particular the peace process and democratic transition underway. There is real interest in Washington in development here and I needed to see the situation for myself. I have benefited from excellent meetings and am warmly grateful to my interlocutors for receiving me at the holiday time.
US Support
As first point, let me underscore how the United States is supporting Nepal ’s response to these historic opportunities and challenges. We announced recently that USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) will provide up to US$ 15 million over two years in small grants and short-term technical assistance to support the peace process. In addition, we have been committed for more than 50 years to helping Nepal reach a level of economic development and democratic governance so that someday all Nepalis, regardless of age, caste or gender, may enjoy fully productive lives. This increase was due in part of US determination to support Nepal ’s democratic transition after the King relinquished power and reinstated the Parliament.
Period for Compromise
Much is at stake. This is a period of great promise for Nepal but it is a promise that can only be achieved with determination, insight, and sincerity through the peace process. Any peace must be a meaningful peace: one that firmly respects multi-party democracy and freedom of opinion, one that has no place whatsoever for Maoist intimidation, coercion, or violence. In sum, we look for an outcome that strengths rule of law and leads to strong and sustained economic and social development, guided by effective governmental institutions.
On Negotiation
Let me (share) two brief observations from my experience as a negotiator. The first is that any successful negotiation must be characterized by strict observance of commitments made in the negotiations. If commitments are not observed, the basis for real progress is weak indeed. Secondly, no negotiations can ever succeed without compromises from all parties. The situation will be no exception. In sum, the United States looks forward to continuing to support Nepal in the unfolding peace process and democratic transition.
Hurdles Ahead
There are still many hurdles in the peace process and negotiation is itself a difficult process. After meeting with leaders of different political parties and senior government officials, there are hopes that the peace process will succeed. We want to see Maoists join the peaceful political process giving up violence. Maoists continue to carry guns, extort money and intimidate people. They must give up all their activities so that they can compete in multi-party politics with all other parties. United States wants to see normalcy in Nepal with multiparty democracy and elected government. US will support all the efforts which will bring peace and stability in Nepal . Peace and stability in Nepal is in the interest of whole region.
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