US gives Nepal security assistance, asks to restore democracy
The US has sought restoration of multi-party democracy in Nepal, announced a security assistance and blocked Maoists' assets in America as part of efforts to bring back peace in Nepal.
The US has sought restoration of multi-party democracy in Nepal, announced a security assistance and blocked Maoists' assets in America as part of efforts to bring back peace in the Himalayan Kingdom.
"The US strongly supports restoration of a multi-party democracy in Nepal through the electoral process. Nepal's leaders, the King and its politicians, need to set aside their differences and work together," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said yesterday.
The government and the military must also establish and maintain an improved human rights record in order to earn the trust of the Nepali people, he said.
"Since they broke a cease fire last August, the Maoists have caused severe hardship to the people of Nepal. There can be no military resolution of this conflict. Legitimate grievances of Nepalis must be resolved through peaceful, political means," he said.
The United States, in cooperation with other friends of Nepal, is helping the government re-establish security and address the root causes of insurgency, he said.
"Our security assistance is designed to allow Nepal's armed forces counter Maoist attacks. Our development assistance seeks to help the government address the needs and grievances of the Nepali people," he said.
"We have designated the Maoists under an Executive Order, blocking any Maoist assets in the United States or held by US persons, wherever located, and bars US citizens from most transactions or dealings with the Maoists," he said.