US may remove Nepal Maoists from terror list

KATHMANDU: The United States might remove the Nepal Maoists from its terrorist list as the former rebels prepare to head a new government after its stunning performance in the constituent assembly elections, a Nepali newspaper claimed today.
       
In a meeting with Nepal's interim parliament Speaker Subhash Nemwang in Singha Durbar today, US Ambassador Nancy J Powell hinted that Washington might lift the terrorist tag on Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-Maoist) soon, the Himalayan Times online said.
 
The CPN-Maoist continues to be on the US terrorist list even after ending its decade-long insurgency and joining the landmark peace process in the country two years ago.
 
According to the report, the US envoy said Washington would extend the same kind of assistance and support to the new government to be formed under the leadership of the CPN-Maoist as it had been providing to the previous governments.
       
The move, although not confirmed by the US government, comes at a time when the CPN-Maoist is expected to head the new government after emerging as the largest party, bagging 120 of the 240 seats where voting was held under the direct electoral system.
       
Ambassador Powell is learnt to have discussed with the Speaker the ongoing peace process, constitution drafting procedures and the latest political situation in the country, the report said.
       
According to Nembang, Powell, who would be leaving for US next week, will hold extensive discussions in Washington over the post-poll scenario and future course of action.