The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced US$ 2 million grant aid for the peace process in Nepal. A press release issued by American embassy says commitment of new funding follows a six-day visit to Nepal by two senior USAID officials -- Michael Hess, Assistant Administrator for the Bureau of Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, and Robert Jenkins, Acting Director of the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI).

The release quoted US Ambassador James F. Moriarty as saying that this new funding underscored the commitment of the US Government and people to support the peace process during the historic transition period.

USAID/Nepal is the humanitarian and development assistance arm of the US Mission to Nepal. The new funding will support additional activities, such as dialogues and trainings, to assist the peace process in Nepal, including by helping address the increased tension, the release said.

Meanwhile, US has granted approximately USD 2 million to World Food Program (WFP) for the first phase of the emergency operation.  It has already provided another USD 250,000 for transportation of food to the most remote, drought-affected communities in Mid- and Far-Western Nepal.

Earlier, The USAID team lead by Assistant Administrator for USAID Michael Hess observed WFP food aid distributions to people in Humla and Jumla.  The team also viewed community works projects such as foot bridges, mule trails and a rehabilitated school built as a part of WFP’s emergency intervention.

A press release issued by US embassy quoted WFP Representative to Nepal Richard Ragan as saying that the United State’s contribution has played a critical role in WFP's efforts to reach very remote communities which have been suffering the effects of multiple years of drought.