EMBASSY ISSUES PRESS RELEASE WARNING AGAINST

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 002390

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR SA/INS, SA/PPD (SCHWARTZ, SCENSNY, ROGERS)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER OPRC KPAO NP
SUBJECT: EMBASSY ISSUES PRESS RELEASE WARNING AGAINST
MAOISTS-PARTIES "ALLIANCE"

REF(S): KATHMANDU 2384 (NOTAL)
KATHMANDU 2388 (NOTAL)


1. On November 4, the Embassy issued the following press
release in both English and Nepali, as discussed reftels.

Text of Press Release:

Embassy Warns Against Maoists-Parties "Alliance"

The U.S. Embassy notes with alarm recent reports in
Nepal media on the emerging potential for an "alliance"
between one or more of the major political parties and
the Maoist rebels.

The United States notes that the parties in the past
have said that they would not enter into any formal
relationship with the Maoists, unless and until the
Maoists firmly renounce violence, put down their weapons,
and commit to supporting the democratic process. Despite
declaring a three-month ceasefire in September, the
Maoists have done nothing to indicate that they are
prepared to abandon violence in the long term, and
abductions and extortion continue unabated.

The United States, which supports the restoration of
democracy in Nepal and the prevention of a Maoist
takeover, believes the best way to reach these goals is
through unity of Nepal's legitimate political forces -
the political parties and the monarchy. We urge both to
re-establish an effective working relationship to lead
Nepal out of its current crisis, and to work toward a
democratic and peaceful future for the country and its
people.

We hope that the Maoists will enter into peace
negotiations with the government in good faith, abandon
their weapons, and come into the political mainstream.
Until these steps are taken, the Maoists cannot be
treated as a legitimate political party.

End text of Press Release.

MORIARTY