Kathmandu, February 23:

US Ambassador to Nepal James F Moriarty today said he would like to “shake hands” with Maoist Chairman Prachanda before finally leaving Nepal.

“An achievement of my tour here would be shaking hands with Prachanda and saying ‘welcome to democratic Nepal,’” Moriarty told a programme held by the Rotary International to mark the World Day of Peace and Understanding.

“I have welcomed his entry into mainstream politics, (but) he has not done so yet. Some of his moves are encouraging, but a lot of them have left me worried,” he added.

Moriarty also expressed his concern about Maoist combatants leaving their camps. He said these acts would obstruct the peace process. To hold CA elections on time, the Maoists must translate their commitments into action, he said. The envoy urged the Maoists to give up violence completely.

He said that Nepal could have a federal set-up, but “it should be achieved through the involvement of all concerned parties.”

On the question of retaining monarchy in Nepal, he said it was for the Nepali people to decide.