Share this story!            

Senior US envoy in Nepal to discuss security

By Shusham Shrestha

KATHMÍ: The United States’ most senior South Asian envoy, Christina Rocca, was in Nepal Friday on a three-day visit to discuss the kingdom’s bloody Maoist insurgency and other security issues, state-run radio said.

Rocca, the US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs, will meet King Gyanendra, Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand, other senior politicians and the heads of the army and police, according to the radio.

“She is expected to discuss the ongoing Maoist insurgency in Nepal, US assistance to combat terrorism, security and development measures and ways to make them more effective,” the radio said. Rocca, who arrived here late Thursday, has made two previous trips to Nepal.

She was here last year when Sher Bahadur Deuba was premier, and handed him a letter from President George W. Bush expressing Washington’s “continued support to protect democracy in Nepal”. She also accompanied Secretary of State Colin Powell when he visited the Himalayan kingdom in January. Powell had expressed US support to Nepal in its fight against “every form of terrorism”.

On Saturday Rocca is scheduled to hold talks with Nepalese army chief Pyar Jung Thapa to discuss the military’s ongoing battle against Maoist rebels.

The rebellion will also be raised when Rocca holds talks with US embassy officials here. Two embassy officials have been murdered by the Maoists in the past six months. The rebels have also attacked several international non-government organizations in the outlying districts of Nepal.

The Maoists, who are staunchly anti-American, resent Washington giving the Nepalese government financial aid.

They have twice attacked and badly damaged Coca-Cola factories in Nepal. During Rocca’s earlier visits, Nepal had urged the United States to increase its investment here and allow Nepalese readymade garments duty free access to American markets.

Both Powell and Rocca had assured Nepal they would raise the issue with the US Congress.

Bush has asked Congress to approve 20 million dollars in military aid to Nepal to fight the Maoists, following several assessment trips by US officials, including Rocca. Nepal reportedly wants semi-automatic and automatic weapons, helicopters with night vision and other equipment from the United States.

Rocca’s trip comes as Prime Minister Chand continues his push for peace talks with the guerrillas.

Last month the United States warned its citizens of heightened risks to their safety in Nepal after the rebels issued threats against its diplomats. —AFP

Home | Foreign

Share this story!