Thursday, March 9, 2006

Kamal Kunj                                                                                                       

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Good evening.  It is a pleasure to be back in Kathmandu. 

I have been in Nepal since yesterday to consult with our Embassy, government officials, and political party and civil society leaders. I also had an audience with King Gyanendra.  It has been a constructive visit.

As you know, President Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh discussed Nepal during the President’s visit to India last week. As the President noted, the two statesmen agreed "that the Maoists should abandon violence, and that the King should reach out to the political parties to restore democratic institutions."  This succinct statement is the policy of the United States toward Nepal.  Ambassador Moriarty has articulated this publicly in recent weeks.

I have reiterated my President's message in all my meetings here in Nepal.  We firmly believe 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.

I am willing to take your questions.