Asst. Secretary Christina Rocca on Nepal

Christina Rocca, Assistant Secretary for South Asian Affairs
Testimony before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
Washington, DC
March 26, 2003

In Nepal, a recent cease- fire and agreement on a code of conduct have raised hopes of progress with the Maoists. We believe the parties have come this far only because the Royal Nepal Army was able to make an effective stand - a goal which U.S. security assistance aims to bolster. In coordination with Great Britain, India and other partners, our security assistance will provide direly needed small arms, equipment and training to enable the RNA to counter the Maoist military threat. If a political settlement has been reached, the United States should be in the forefront of donors prepared to help Nepal conduct local and national elections and strengthen administrative and democratic institutions. In the near term, we will continue to support improved governance and respect for basic human rights, improved health services and rural livelihoods, and sustainable development. Our assistance will also support efforts to bolster government control in areas vulnerable to Maoist influence by funding high- impact rural infrastructure and employment projects.