Twin Concerns
At the end of his four-day visit, Carter raised two worries – insecurity and ethnic division - endorsing the position of Bush administration
By SANJAYA DHAKAL
Although his meeting with Maoist chairman Prachanda was the highlight of his four-day visit to Nepal, former US President Jimmy Carter did not say anything contradicting the policy adopted by the Bush administration vis-à-vis Nepal.
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Carter meets with Prachand : Agenda of Peace |
After wide ranging discussions with leaders of political parties of every shade, Carter concluded that insecurity and need for peaceful inclusivity were his major concerns.
Carter, in his press meeting on June 16, said he had 'a couple of concerns.' First, he said he was concerned with the absence of complete law and order. "First, the police effectiveness needs to be improved. I think the police do not feel they have adequate political support. My hope is that the Prime Minister and other leaders will (give such support)," he said, adding, "The CDOs should be given unequivocal and clear authorization (to maintain law and order).
Another concern he raised was the need for inclusivity. "For the first time in Nepal's history, marginalized peoples are exercising their democratic right to be heard and to participate fully and equally in Nepali society. Their concerns are legitimate and I support them. When these rights are exercised in a peaceful way, it is an important and healthy part of the democratic process," he said.
His emphasis on the twin worries echoed what US ambassador Moriarty had said in Pokhara on June 12. Moriarty had then said that he sees two obstacles in the path of peace, prosperity and democracy in the country. He stated that Maoist conduct – which threatened the security situation and rule of law – and ethnic division were the two obstacles.
"No mainstream political party anywhere in a multi-party democratic system is allowed to maintain its own armed groups. Yet this is exactly what the Maoists have done. Nor should a political party be permitted to carry out, with impunity, crimes of extortion, abduction, and intimidation Again, however, this is exactly what the Maoists continue to do, particularly through their YCL," Moriarty said.
On the issue of ethnic division, Moriarty had said that there is an urgent need to address the issue of inclusiveness -- all groups in Nepal must be given a voice in the political, economic, and civic affairs of the nation.
On Terror Tag
The meeting between Carter – who visited Nepal in his capacity as co-founder of The Carter Center which has been invited to oversee elections here – and Prachanda was seen as significant as it came on the backdrop of US government continuing to term Maoists as terrorists.
After the meeting, Prachanda said he had urged Carter to use his influence to withdraw US terrorist tag from his organization.
At the press meeting, Carter did not categorically say that he favors withdrawal of such tag. He, however, said that he would recommend White House to establish some communication with the Maoists.
"I have no authority. I am here as a private American citizen. But my preference is that the US does have communication with all parties here who are performing legal roles," Carter said in reply to questions on whether he would recommend the White House to withdraw terrorist tag on Maoists.
"It is better to have communication at some level with everyone who participates legally within the political framework of Nepal. Obviously, Maoists have complied with the UN requirements, disarmed to some degree, they have adopted the principles of multiparty democracy and publicly declared they will support the free enterprises," said Carter.
Carter said he was assured by Prachanda about controlling the activities of Young Communist League (YCL) such as demanding money from merchants and beatings.
The Carter Center, he said, will be monitoring the YCL closely to ensure that their future behavior is in line with these promises. "I have also been assured by Madhesi Janadhikar Forum leadership that their group is committed to non violence and peace, and I also intend to continue monitoring this commitment."
Carter held two meetings with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and held separate meetings with top leaders of major parties apart from meeting Election Commission officials and army chief. Wrapping up his visit, Carter said he hopes that Constituent Assembly elections will be held in "open, transparent, honest, free and peaceful" manner in Mangsir.
