US envoy meets Nepal Maoist chief

Kathmandu: The US ambassador to Nepal has met the country's Maoist former rebel chief, the first official meeting of a senior American official with a group that Washington still labels terrorists.

A US embassy statement issued yesterday said Ambassador Nancy Powell met Pushpa Kamal Dahal, known by his nom de guerre Prachanda, on Thursday to discuss the outcome of the April 10 election in which the Maoists emerged as the largest party.

The victory of the Maoists, who gave up an armed revolt in 2006 with a peace deal that ended a decade-long civil war, has put the United States in a position where it can't ignore the party likely to form the new government.

The Maoists have abandoned many of their leftist policies, such as nationalisation, to embrace foreign investment and public-private partnerships. Their victory could lead to a focus on improving living conditions in the country, South Asia's poorest.

The statement said the envoy's discussions also touched on the Maoists' plans for a constituent assembly, which will draft Nepal's new constitution, and the future of US-Nepal relations. "The meeting occurred in advance of Powell's return to the United States for consultations on US-Nepal relations," it said.

Positive signals

"Powell provided an overview of current US government assistance to Nepal designed to help create a more prosperous, democratic and stable Nepal."

A Maoist politburo member said the meeting was an indication Washington wanted to mend fences now that the party had won the election. "All the signals are positive that they will remove the terrorist tag on us soon," said Dinanath Sharma. "How can they not recognise the fact that we won a free and fair election?"

Analysts too agree the United States had moved to break the ice with the former rebels.

"It is the beginning of the US recognition of the Maoists as a democratic force," said Yubnath Lamsal, the chief editor of the Rising Nepal daily.

Powell sought assurances that the new government would respect donor agreements and ensure the safety of those implementing them. She urged the Maoists to show their commitment to the political process through words and actions.

The Maoists say they are committed to the peace process but cannot yet renounce violence completely, a stance analysts say is more aimed at browbeating political opponents.