Pokhara, January 18:

US envoy to Nepal Nancy J Powell has said the CA poll alone does not guarantee sustainable peace in the country.

Speaking at an interaction and book launch programme, organised by the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Community Relationships Center here today, Powell said, “What is necessary for the sustainable peace is loyalty to the nation.”

“The government and political parties should commit to ending discrimination between communities, gender, religion and close the economic gap between people. They should show commitment to stand up for the aspirations of the Nepali people,” she said, adding several commitments made in the comprehensive peace treaty and other peace treaties remained unfulfilled.

Stating the CA poll is slated for April 10, she said Nepalis now have the opportunity to decide what democratic system the country should embrace. She also said the US endorses the CA polls and is ready to extend cooperation for its success.

Speaking on the economic front, she said the political parties while preparing for the CA poll should also hold discussions on the challenges and alternatives that would be faced by the new government after the poll.

“Peace is always likely to be derailed till there is lasting economic growth. Only economic growth can create the employment opportunities and raise the living standard of the people,” she said.

Stating that Nepal is dependent on donor countries, she said the US after starting cooperation in Nepal during the last half-a-century has provided nearly a billion dollars as assistance. “The US is ready to continue the cooperation. However, Nepal will be free from foreign assistance in the coming decade,” she said.