National 2 (Spotlight Weekly)

DONALD CAMP'S STATEMENT
Superpower Support

The US supports the current peace initiatives while delivering a carefully veiled warning to the Maoists against a return to violence

By SANJAYA DHAKAL

Even as the major mainstream political parties continue to exhibit their uneasiness to advance the peace initiatives undertaken by what they call a 'puppet' government, a highly placed American official gave full support to the current cease-fire and warned the rebels of its wrath if they return to violence.

"The United States unambiguously supports a political solution to the crisis in Nepal. We believe that the recent Maoist decision to talk, rather than fight, is a tangible demonstration of our policy success," said Donald Camp, deputy assistant secretary of state, at a talk program on "Preventing Communist Takeover in Nepal" organized by Washington-based think-tank Heritage Foundation on February 28, 2003.

"A number of elements undoubtedly informed the decision to suspend hostilities, but we believe that the international community's support for the government - including our own security assistance - played a key role," he said.

In what is seen as a clear warning to the rebels, Camp said they were a threat to US interests. "The (Maoist) leadership has made clear that it seeks to replace the constitutional monarchy with an absolutist communist regime - one that would be overtly hostile to the United States. Recent Maoist statements defending the Khmer Rouge give one indication of the kind of instability and humanitarian catastrophe that might follow a takeover. Such a development could destabilize the wider region, and Nepal could quite easily turn into a failed state, a potential haven for terrorists like that which we have transformed in Afghanistan. This possibility is made more acute by Maoist statements expressing common cause with other South Asian extremist groups sharing similarly violent agendas," he stated.

Camp's statement comes at a time when the one-month-old peace initiatives in the country have failed to take-off as per popular expectations. The political parties are still sticking to their guns. They have been demanding the replacement of the present government by a 'legitimate and constitutional one'.

"The logic put forth by the political parties sound hollow, especially when the government is preparing to talk with the rebels to reach a lasting solution and there have been enough indications that the present constitution itself could be reviewed or amended to bring the rebels to mainstream politics," said an analyst.

In his statement, Camp expressed frustration at the inability of the political actors to reach consensus. "Unfortunately, differences between the Palace, the interim government, and the political parties threaten to undermine the chance for dialogue that the cease-fire provides. The dangerous situation facing Nepal is no time to let such differences prevent a unified front. We are encouraging all sides that support multiparty democracy and the constitutional monarchy to work together, for the good of the nation," he stated.

The American government has adopted an integrated approach to help Nepal. It has increased development as well as military assistance and has stepped up its political and diplomatic efforts. The US government has also hinted that it might include the Maoists in its list of terrorist organizations in case it continues to engage in terror and violence.

The United States has contributed more than $1 billion in bilateral and multilateral aid to Nepal since 1951. Its assistance was utilized to virtually eradicate malaria from the Terai, diversify agriculture, lower child mortality, and attract investment in hydropower. Nepal hosts one of the largest Peace Corps contingents in the world, and former Nepal Peace Corps volunteers have assumed big roles in all branches of American government and business. The US government has committed to provide $70 million in development and $14 million in military assistance in fiscal year 2002/03 to help Nepal overcome the current situation of insecurity.

"In addition, we are coordinating our political and aid efforts with other donor countries. Our diplomatic personnel in Kathmandu have taken the lead in intensive dialogue with their counterparts from India and the UK, and in regular consultations with other missions. Indeed, it has been said that Nepal is one part of the world in which Indian, Chinese and American interests are in almost perfect consonance. Our complementary policies will encourage a political settlement, assist in alleviating the root causes of the insurgency, and help bring peace to Nepal. We will continue to help Nepal defend itself, and will maintain our assistance programs to ensure that the Maoists remain convinced that violence is not the answer. Whether or not this cease-fire holds, we will support the government in its efforts to retain control of the country and protect the Nepalese people," he stated.

The willingness of the US government to work closely with India, China and the UK, which has already appointed Jeffrey James as its envoy to coordinate international efforts to bring peace to Nepal, indicates that it is sensitive to the special geo-politics of the region.

The latest US moves are expected to give a much-needed fillip to the peace process that has just started in this Himalayan kingdom. Besides, given greater international interest people hope the cease-fire this time will not be broken like the one in 2001 which triggered widespread terror and violence.