Speaking to journalists at the US Embassy on Friday, US ambassador to Nepal, James F Moriarty, has repeated the US government’s stand that the Maoists should not be introduced in the cabinet before arms management is completed in a transparent manner.
Moriarty said the US was firm on its position that the arms management process must be completed in an effective and transparent manner before the Maoists’ induction in the interim government.
The ambassador pointed out his views saying that no partner in a coalition government should expect to retain a private army. Destabilization, mistrust, and insecurity invariably would result if political forces keep their private army.
He further forcefully said, “Democracy comes from the consent of the people, not the barrel of a gun.” However he has advised the Maoists to completely renounce violence, intimidation, and extortion as they are now represented in a democratic Interim Legislature. He has continued that it is time they finally need to abide by the wish of the Nepali people who deserve nothing less.
Although Moriarty welcomed the announcement of the Maoists to dissolve their government structures and participate in the joint local governments he seems skeptical as well. He asked the Maoists to strictly implement their decisions as promises had proven hollow in the past.
On Wednesday, Moriarty met with Prime Minister GP Koirala and conveyed the US government’s position over the arms management and participation of the Maoists in the interim cabinet.
The US ambassador’s reaction comes at a time when the Maoists prepare to join an interim cabinet following the promulgation of the interim constitution and formation of interim legislature.
However, PM Koirala was in favor of the Maoists to join the government within 20 days after their arms are fully locked up under UN supervision.
