Opening Statement of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Donald Camp

Press Conference Tuesday June 28, 2005

Thank you all.  It’s nice to be here in Kathmandu.  My purpose is to consult directly with the Embassy and to discuss bilateral issues with government officials, media, and civil society.  So far, my meetings have been productive and insightful.  As I prepare to leave Kathmandu this evening, I have a few thoughts to share before I take questions.

As Secretary of State Rice clearly outlined in her speech at the American University in Cairo on June 20 and as President George W. Bush so clearly articulated in his January inaugural address: the United States stands for freedom and democracy around the world.

This includes Nepal as well.

As we have made clear on many occasions, we consider the King’s actions of February 1 to have been a big step backward for democracy.  Despite the state of emergency being lifted at the end of April and the subsequent release of most detainees, we continue to see curbs on political freedom and other civil liberties.  In today’s world, leaders who stand in the way of democracy do no service for their people.  It is critically important for all the political leaders of Nepal to work together for their country’s future.  The world and the United States would find unacceptable a return to pre-1990 Nepal. 

The United States has called on all the legitimate political forces to unite to bring Nepal back into a multiparty democratic framework and to address the Maoist insurgency, as well as Nepal’s serious challenges in economic development.   Political party leaders recently have taken steps toward unity, and we believe the King should respond to their initiative and reach out to them.  Political parties can be the engine of democracy, but to truly serve the Nepali people leaders must subordinate their own interests to the needs of the public.

In that context, we cannot forget at any time that the Maoists are the most serious, immediate threat to a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Nepal. The ruthless violence and terrorism they sow offers nothing to Nepal but destruction and sorrow. The Maoists must realize that they will not win an armed struggle.  Their systematic targeting of the Nepali people—including school children and civilians—is universally condemned.  We call on them to cease these atrocities, declare a ceasefire, lay down their arms, and come to peaceful negotiations.

The United States also recognizes the difficulties the Royal Nepalese Army faces in countering the insurgents’ campaign of violence.  U.S. military assistance aims to help professionalize the RNA and has included training in such areas as the rules of engagement, investigating alleged human rights abuses, and battlefield medical skills.  As for lethal equipment, the United States has delayed a shipment of M-16 rifles while we encourage restoration of civil liberties and multiparty democracy.  In the meantime, our engagement with the RNA continues.  A professional, well-trained army is a key part of ending the insurgency.  Such an army also would be much less likely to commit human rights abuses.  Already we have seen some progress by the RNA on this important issue; however, more needs to be done. In that context, we welcome and fully support the establishment of the United Nation’s new office of the High Commission for Human Rights in Nepal.

In sum, the United States believes the political forces should come together both for democracy and security’s sake.  As Secretary Rice said last week, “Giving security priority over democracy gives us neither…. Democracy is the only idea powerful enough to overcome division, hatred, and violence.” We certainly believe that is true in Nepal.

I will now take your questions.

TRANSCRIPT OF DON CAMP’S PRESS MEET, TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2005