KATHMANDU: The United States has suspended a shipment of M-16 rifles to Nepal to protest at King Gyanendra’s takeover in February. Deputy Assistant Secretary for South Asian Affairs Donald Camp says the move is aimed at encouraging the king to restore civil liberties and democracy after he sacked the government and assumed total power to tackle an increasingly violent Maoist rebellion.

“As for lethal equipment, the United States has delayed a shipment of M-16 rifles while we encourage restoration of civil liberties and multi-party democracy,” Camp told a press conference at the end of a three-day visit.

“As we have made clear on many occasions, we consider the king’s actions of February 1 to have been a big step backward for democracy.”

Gyanendra said the action was necessary to stem the insurgency which has claimed more than 11,000 lives since it was launched in 1996.

Camp also said the United States viewed the Maoist rebellion as a threat to democracy.

“We cannot forget at any time that the Maoists are the most serious, immediate threat to a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Nepal,” he said.

“The ruthless violence and terrorism they sow offers nothing to Nepal but destruction and sorrow.

“We call on them to cease these atrocities, declare a ceasefire, lay down their arms and come to peaceful negotiations,” he said.

Shortly after the February takeover, India and Britain suspended military supplies to Nepal, while the United States said it was reviewing military aid. Subsequently, India said it would resume some supplies already promised.

In response, Nepal has sought military supplies from other countries. It advertised recently for items such as bulletproof vests, electronic equipment, armoured personnel carriers and helicopter gunships.

Camp said future military supplies would be considered in line with steps to restore democracy.

“The United States also recognizes the difficulties the Royal Nepalase Army faces in countering the campaign of violence,” he said.

He also applauded a move by political parties to unite for the restoration of democracy and urged Gyanendra to respond to the initiative.

During the three-day visit, Camp met Gyanendra at the Royal Palace as well as Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey, army chief General Pyar Jung Thapa and political leaders.

—AFP