Top US official meets Nepalese Army chief

Issues of bilateral interests were discussed at a meeting between Dy Assistant Secy of State D Camp and Army chief Pyarjung Thapa.

Issues related to bilateral interests and the current situation in Nepal were discussed at a meeting between US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Donald Camp and Royal Nepalese Army chief Pyarjung Thapa here.

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Camp, who left for the US shortly after the meeting held yesterday at the RNA headquarters, also met opposition politicians, top journalists and other eminent persons in the Himalayan Kingdom, a statement issued by the RNA said.

Earlier after a meeting with King Gyanendra, the top US official had said any election in Nepal will be "hollow" without the participation of "legitimate" political forces and ruled out resumption of military supplies.

"The US firmly believes that the Maoists must abandon violence and the King must reach out and reconcile with the parties if we are to see a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Nepal," he said.

Camp was, however, denied access to top opposition leader and CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal who is under house arrest for the past two months.

"I regret very much that the government did not allow me to meet Mr Nepal," he said.