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Nepal Urged To Restore Democracy as Means To Deal with Rebels

01 February 2006

U.S. State Department issues statement on anniversary of power seizure by king

The United States remains troubled by the security situation in Nepal, one year after King Gyanendra dissolved parliament and imposed a state of emergency, according to a State Department statement released January 31.

The king suspended parliament with the argument that direct rule was necessary to deal with the Maoist insurgency.

The best way to deal with the insurgency and to stabilize the country is to restore democracy and initiate a dialogue with Nepal's political parties, the State Department said.

Following is the text of the statement:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
January 31, 2006

STATEMENT BY ADAM ERELI, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN

One Year Anniversary of the Royal Takeover in Nepal

The United States remains troubled by developments in Nepal, one year after the King seized power on February 1, 2005.  Twelve months of palace rule have only made the security situation more precarious, emboldened the Maoist insurgents, and widened the division between the country's political parties and the King. 

The United States remains particularly concerned by the Maoist insurgency, which presents the most immediate threat to a peaceful and prosperous Nepal.  We urge the King to return to democracy by initiating a dialogue with the country's political parties.  After one year of unsuccessful authoritarian rule, this is the best way to address the Maoist insurgency and to build a brighter future for Nepal's people.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)