Former US president says he is happy with Nepal's peace process

Jun 16, 2007, 7:55 GMT

Kathmandu - Former US president Jimmy Carter Saturday described Nepal's peace process as extraordinary although some problems remained.

Addressing a press conference before ending his four-day visit to Nepal, President Carter said 'Although the peace process is not perfect, it is nevertheless extraordinary.'

But he also expressed concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation particularly in the southern Nepalese plains as well as the activities of the Maoist aligned Young Communist League (YCL).

'I spoke to Maoist leader Prachanda about the activities of YCL over some of their bad behaviour,' Carter said. 'I have also been assured by ethnic Madhesi groups in southern Nepal that their protests will be non violent.

President Carter also said he will be asking Washington to start a dialogue with the Maoist former rebels who are still listed as a terrorist organization by the US government.

'I hope there will be communication between the US government and groups in Nepal including the Maoists, so that the US will have more influence,' Carter said.

President Carter arrived in Nepal on Wednesday to take stock of the peace process and evaluate the Carter Centre's election monitoring mission.

During his stay in Nepal, he met with Nepalese Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Maoist leader Prachanda and political and ethnic leaders.

However, he did not meet the Nepalese monarch King Gyanendra who was stripped of all powers after a mass movement in April 2006 toppled his government.