Kathmandu, May 3 :

The United States will resume suspended military supply to the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) if the government asks for it, said Richard Boucher, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, wrapping up his two-day visit to Nepal today. “We can help Nepal in political process, economic recovery and security area,” said Boucher.

“We will talk to the government on how we can assist in political, economic and security areas but it is civil or political leaders, who have to decide.”

“The international community, including the US, would be glad to help Nepal in disarmament,demobilisation and rehabilitation,” he said, emphasising the need to “start with political and economic progress to get the country back on track.”

Stating that RNA will have an important role to play, Boucher said: “The RNA will have to implement ceasefire; to support political process and civil leadership, and to defend the nation in future.”

Boucher had met the Army Chief Pyar Jung Thapa to know how the RNA was looking into the future and to check if it was supporting the civil leadership.

He repeatedly called on the Maoists to lay down arms and enter into mainstream politics. “I do not think we can forget history. They continued to kill people, extortion and abduction in villages when a ceasefire was in place in Kathmandu,” he said, adding, “We are looking for the change of terrorist behaviour in the Maoists.”

Asked if the US will support the Maoist takeover of Kathmandu, he said:

“We will oppose it because we oppose any kind of takeover.

However, he left it to the political parties to decide whether the Maoists wish to lay down arms only for participating in the elections to a constituent assembly.

About the previous US statement, which had termed the 12-point parties-Maoist understanding “wrong-headed”, Boucher said, “It was very wrong-headed.”

Regarding the US prescription for a ceremonial monarchy, Boucher said it was not a shift in US policy but a recognition of what people of Nepal have decided, or will decide in the future.

The US will continue to coordinate with other countries, especially India, to help rebuild Nepal, Boucher said. “Now it is up to the reinstated parliament to forge a close contact with the people and lead the way forward to form an effective, responsive and lasting democratic government, and to chart a way forward to bring peace to your country,” said Boucher.