US welcomes end of emergency rule in Nepal
The US welcomed the end of emergency rule in Nepal and the release of several top politicians, but wants King Gyanendra to do more to restore full democracy.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the US State Department also urged the palace and Nepal’s political parties “to move toward reconciliation.”
Gyanendra, a constitutional monarch seized power and imposed a state of emergency on February 1, suspending most civil liberties. Hundreds of politicians and activists were placed under house arrest or jailed in an effort to prevent demonstrations against the monarchy.
The king’s actions were widely protested at home and abroad, including by key allies India, Britain and the US.
Over the weekend, the king lifted the emergency, apparently bowing to pressure from the international community. His decision came after he returned from a visit of Indonesia, China and Singapore, where leaders urged him to restore democracy.
“However, more needs to be done,” the US State Department said.
Hundreds of political workers remain in detention and the Nepalese media is barred from publishing, or broadcasting, anti-monarchy views. The king continues to rule directly in the absence of an elected government.
Gyanendra said he took power because the political parties and their successive governments failed to quell a nine-year Maoist insurgency that has claimed more than 11,500 lives. The rebels have been fighting to establish a communist state in this impoverished Himalayan nation.
The State Department also urged Nepal’s political parties to work together to resolve the current impasse.
“Unity among Nepal’s legitimate political forces is a necessary step for Nepal to achieve a functioning, stable democracy, and effectively address the Maoist insurgency,” the statement said.
“The US will continue to support progress in these efforts.”
