Carter to urge the US communicate with the Maoists

Former US president Jimmy Carter Saturday that the he would talk with the US government to establish communication with Nepal's Maoists regarding the removal of the terrorist tag imposed on them by the US.

"The Maoists have complied with the United Nations requirements and disarmed to some degree. They have adopted the principle of multiparty democracy. The US should establish communication with the Maoists," Carter told at a press conference at the Soaltee Hotel before wrapping up his four-day visit to Nepal.

He further said, "My opinion is the United States should establish some communication with the Maoists because it is obvious that the people of Nepal have accepted the Maoists as playing a role in the shaping of the future of this country".

Carter further said he has found Maoists committed to the peace process. However, he criticized the activities of the Maoist-aligned Young Communist League. Expressing concern about the activities of YCL Carter said, "I am still concerned about the Young Communist League. My hope is that they will be corrected."

"I have spoken with Chairman Prachanda, leader of Maoists about problem with the YCL and he has personally assured me that he will take this matter very seriously," Carter said, "He acknowledged that there have been some problems and said that he himself will take responsibility to end this bad behaviour."

On Friday, Prachanda had asked Carter to use his influence to lift US terror tag in the context of Maoists joining peaceful multi-party system. Carter had promised to take up the issue with Bush upon his return to the US.

Saying that he has found Nepal government committed to holding constituent assembly polls, Carter however said law and order situation must be maintained for free and fair elections. He said political parties must extend support to local administrations, specially the police, to maintain law and order situation.

Talking about the King’s future in Nepal, Carter said the international community will accept any decision taken by the Nepali people on the future of monarchy through CA polls.

Carter also urged the government to address the demands raised by marginalized people including Madhesis and Janajatis.

Raising the issue of Bhutanese refugees, the former US president said any solution to the problem should lay first priority on the refugees’ right to return to their own land. He said everybody should respect the basics of human rights.

Earlier in the morning, Carter held a meeting with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. After the meeting with Koirala, Carter said he found the PM and the government committed to peace and democracy.

Before the press conference at Soaltee hotel, Carter had separate meetings with few political leaders. Carter had arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday.