US launches blistering attack on Nepal Maoists

NEPAL: The United States ambassador to Nepal launched a blistering attack on Nepal’s former Maoist rebels accusing them of continued violence despite their entry into government.

The US move, made in a speech in the centre of the country, signalled that the Maoists are likely to stay on Washington’s list of foreign “terrorist” organisations even though they are now a part of Nepal’s political mainstream.

“Maoist violence and intimidation are derailing the peace process and the consequences threaten the future of all Nepalis,” Ambassador James Moriarty said.

“It has been more than a year since their insurgency ended, yet the Maoist addiction to violence, extortion and intimidation continues unabated,” he said at a function in Pokhara, 140 kilometres (90 miles) east of Kathmandu.

Moriarty also voiced doubt over the progress of the peace deal, under which the Maoists have confined 31,000 members of their “People’s Liberation Army” to 28 United Nations-monitored camps.

Kathmandu, Wednesday, AFP