US condemns Nepal's Maoist rebels

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The US has "wholeheartedly welcomed" current moves towards a peace agreement in Nepal, but has reiterated its condemnation of Maoist rebels.

The criticism came from the US Assistant Secretary of State, Richard Boucher, during a visit to Kathmandu.

The rebels are due to enter the Nepalese government in two weeks' time.

For several years Washington has kept them on a "terrorist" list. Mr Boucher said this would not change because of the peace treaty with the government.

Forced recruitment

The rebels have also pledged to confine their fighters to camps under UN supervision.

If you want to give up the gun and join politics, you have to do it sincerely and you have to do it fully US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher

But the US diplomat said that he was taking note of continuing reports of Maoist forced recruitment and other threats.

He expressed concern over new remarks from the Maoist leader, Prachanda, to the effect that they might return to violence unless they were quickly absorbed into the national army. "I think it was unfortunate to see just today again the Maoist leader state that they reserve the right to armed struggle.

"It's not the way to go in. You don't go in with half a foot, you go in with both feet. If you want to give up the gun and join politics, you have to do it sincerely and you have to do it fully."

Mr Boucher said the US would give economic help to the new government but would not deal with the Maoists until they became a "peaceful political party".

Confined

Notably however, he said Washington would be able to talk to the government's ministers from which ever party they came.

Although he did not say so, that implicitly includes Maoist ministers.

Thursday saw a slight setback to the peace process when negotiators failed to conclude a full peace agreement that is supposed to formalise an end to Nepal's conflict.

They say it will happen next Tuesday instead.

On that day the Maoist and state armies are due to be confined in camps.

The UN is working to form teams of monitors who will supervise them.