US against the Maoist-Parties "coalition" in Nepal

by Bhuwan Thapaliya

After the initial media hoopla, the momentum that was rapidly building toward the set-up of  a republic in Nepal is most likely to decease prematurely as the United States has officially yet again renewed its warning against possible "alliance" between Nepal’s major political parties and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoists), in a statement issued on Friday Nov. 11, 2005 by the U. S. Embassy in Kathmandu.

"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 cease-fire 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 statement said.

The United States, which has stated that it 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 towards a democratic and peaceful future for the country and its people", statement further revealed.

The statement has come amid reports that the Seven-party opposition alliance—that is protesting the Royal takeover of February 1, 2005—has made significant progress towards "collaborating" with the Maoist rebels. But one doubts how much of a difference the U.S embassy statement can make in the current situation in Nepal. Most critics in Nepal sneer that this is nothing more than the America’s crude attempt to revive its flagging domination in Nepalese politics that is by far propelled by its two neighbors -- China and India. Nonetheless, it is only a matter of time before America’s renewed political statement begins to manifest itself in a new assurance towards the reconciliation.

And in another development, Congressmen James T. Walsh of New York, Bob Filner of California, Mark Kirk of Illinois, Barney Frank of Massachusetts, Mark Udall of Colorado, Joseph Pitts of Pennsylvania and Chris Smith of New Jersey, urged Condoleeza Rice, in an Oct. 28, 2005 letter to help develop and implement a multi-pronged and multi-year strategy to address the grave situation in Nepal. "We believe that a package that combines diplomatic intervention, economic development, and restoration of civil security is required to persuade King Gyanendra to embrace democratic governance, while addressing the crushing poverty and human privation the people of Nepal face," they said, according to the report published in the Kantipur daily.

The Congressmen also urged Secretary Rice to work with her counterparts in all interested nations, particularly Australia, China, the European Union, India, Japan, and the United Kingdom including the regional and multilateral development banks, international development organizations, and chambers of commerce to "persuade the King, the Maoists, and the people of Nepal to make permanent the cease-fire, restore multi-party democratic processes and
institutions, and security to the entire Kingdom," according to the report.



So What?

In US attempts to dictate Nepal’s internal politics, it seems the real questions have been brushed under the carpet. Neglecting the Maoist, who are part of Nepal, would be ignoring the plights of Nepalese people, however much a minority, and would simply perpetuate the problem over time. If silencing political minorities is the American way to promote democracy then Nepal had best find it’s own political solutions.