Posted on 04/24/2006 10:36:11 PM PDT by Balata
WASHINGTON (AFX) - The United States called on Nepal's embattled king to stay out of politics completely as Washington welcomed his pledge to restore the country's parliament.
'We believe that he should now hand power over to the parties and assume a ceremonial role in his countrys governance,' Adam Ereli, deputy State Department spokesman, said after King Gyanendra announced his latest move to end 19 days of violent street protests.
Gyanendra, who took absolute power last year after sacking a government he declared corrupt and incapable of battling Maoist insurgents, agreed late yesterday to reinstate the parliament dissolved in 2002.
But Washington wanted an assurance from the monarch that he is ready to return to a ceremonial role in the Himalayan kingdom where he had imposed a series of curfews to try to quell the protests.
'What's important is not only that parliament be restored and power be handed over to the political parties,' said a senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
He said the US administration is hoping 'that some commitment be made that would prevent a repeat of the events of 2005,' when the king took complete control of the government.
Ereli called on Nepals political parties to 'step up to their responsibilities and cooperate to turn people's demand for democracy and good governance into reality.'
He also said that after 10 years of fighting, Maoist rebels 'must end their violent attacks and join a peaceful political process.'
'Through these steps, stability, peace and democracy can be restored in Nepal,' Ereli said, adding that the US and the international community stand ready to help.
Following the king's shoot-to-kill orders for security forces during curfews, at least 14 people were reported dead in clashes since April 6. Hundreds were injured and even more arrested.
Regretting the loss of life and injuries, Ereli called upon Nepals security forces 'to show the utmost restraint in responding, should any further demonstrations occur.'
Speaking earlier before Gyanendra's announcement, Ereli had stressed the need for permanent elections and a permanent government in Nepal.
'Clearly, the status quo is untenable,' Ereli said, expressing concern about the unrest he said had broken out after the monarch 'subverted the democratic process.'
The US embassy in Kathmandu yesterday ordered the families of its diplomats to leave Nepal as opposition leaders planned a huge rally.
The embassy expressed concern over dwindling supplies, a shortage of medical expertise, the continuing protests and the sometimes 'violent measures' used by the regime to break them up.
In a statement, it warned that other American citizens 'should also depart Nepal as soon as possible'.
If the capital already has a million Maoist infiltrators(and it looks it does), there is no way this is going to end peacefully. Just a wishful thinking, imo.
There will be a battle and either the army wins, or the Maoists win.
A get out of Nepal order for US citizens means that something real bad is impending, much worse than what has already been seen. The real violence is about to start.
the United States needs to do a whole lot more to help Nepal militarily. Nepal counts ! It cannot be allowed to go Maoist.
Are you listening US Government officials ? Please......
The maoists cannot win. Even though the government currently running India is also supported in part by communists, India will never allow one of its buffer zones against China be turned into an overtly hostile state.
India supplies arms to the nepalese army. The restoration of democracy also has Indias hand in it, because the dispensation in NEw Delhi knows that the kings continued presence is unpopular, and only gives the Maoists gains.
Now democracy is restored, India will ensure that the Nepalese army is rejuvenated, and that the maoists will be utterly crushed.
At least this is my assessment. I could be wrong.
The Maoists are not just run of the mill leftists.. they are dangerous. Theyre of the Pol-pot variety.
To Do List for Nepal's King:
1. Move money to Switzerland.
2. Keep 2 helicopters ready at all times.
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