US embassy cable - 05KATHMANDU2390

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 002390 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR SA/INS, SA/PPD (SCHWARTZ, SCENSNY, ROGERS) 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, PTER, OPRC, KPAO, NP, Maoist Insurgency, Political Parties 
SUBJECT: EMBASSY ISSUES PRESS RELEASE WARNING AGAINST 
MAOISTS-PARTIES "ALLIANCE" 
 
REF(S): KATHMANDU 2384 (NOTAL) 
KATHMANDU 2388 (NOTAL) 
 
1.  On November 4, the Embassy issued the following press 
release in both English and Nepali, as discussed reftels. 
 
Text of Press Release: 
 
Embassy Warns Against Maoists-Parties "Alliance" 
 
     The U.S. Embassy notes with alarm recent reports in 
Nepal media on the emerging potential for an "alliance" 
between one or more of the major political parties and 
the Maoist rebels. 
 
     The United States notes that the parties in the past 
have said that they would not enter into any formal 
relationship with the Maoists, unless and until the 
Maoists firmly renounce violence, put down their weapons, 
and commit to supporting the democratic process.  Despite 
declaring a three-month ceasefire in September, the 
Maoists have done nothing to indicate that they are 
prepared to abandon violence in the long term, and 
abductions and extortion continue unabated. 
 
     The United States, which supports the restoration of 
democracy in Nepal and the prevention of a Maoist 
takeover, believes the best way to reach these goals is 
through unity of Nepal's legitimate political forces  - 
the political parties and the monarchy.  We urge both to 
re-establish an effective working relationship to lead 
Nepal out of its current crisis, and to work toward a 
democratic and peaceful future for the country and its 
people. 
 
     We hope that the Maoists will enter into peace 
negotiations with the government in good faith, abandon 
their weapons, and come into the political mainstream. 
Until these steps are taken, the Maoists cannot be 
treated as a legitimate political party. 
 
End text of Press Release. 
 
MORIARTY