KATHMANDU, Feb 23 - In a sudden departure from his long-standing image as a vocal critic of the Maoists, US Ambassador to Nepal James F Moriarty on Friday said that he would 'shake hands’ with the Maoist Chairman Prachanda before he left Nepal.
Speaking at a programme organized by the Rotary International on the occasion of the World Day of Peace and Understanding, Moriarty -- who has remained highly critical of the Maoists in the past -- said that although some activities of the Maoists had ‘raised concerns’, he would, however, shake hands with the Maoist chairman before his term was over, adding some activities of the Maoist Chairman were indeed encouraging.

Meanwhile, the American ambassador voiced his concern over the desertion of cantonments by the PLA combatants, stating that it would create obstruction in the peace process.

Moriarty also said that in order to hold the upcoming Constituency Assembly on time, the Maoists needed to convert their commitment into actions and immediately call back all their combatants into the cantonments.

Stating that everyone should be allowed to vote in a fear free environment, he also urged the Maoists to completely give up violence and guarantee such an environment during elections.

Likewise, the US envoy further said that although Nepal could have a federal setup, it needed to be achieved through the mutual consent and the involvement of all concerned parties.

Similarly, he also said that although he was not sure that monarchy was still needed in the country, he would respect any decision made by the people of Nepal in the issue.

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