In The News

From "NepalNews.com", September 15, 2004:

Peace Corps suspends its operations in Nepal, US volunteers prepare to return home

A day after the Peace Corps, a volunteer programme of the United States government, decided to suspend all its operations in Nepal temporarily, dozens of volunteers are arriving in Kathmandu from different parts of the country on their way back home.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the US Department of State said it had also authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members of the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu on a voluntary basis. The Department has also urged all U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Nepal.

The latest decision came after the US embassy in Kathmandu sought permission from the Department of State in Washington, D.C. to allow the departure of those family members of American Embassy personnel who wished to do so.

The Embassy had also recommended that Washington approve the temporary suspension of Peace Corps activities in Nepal. The Embassy took precautionary measures in response to the attack on the American Center in Kathmandu last Friday (Sep. 10). The attack caused minor damages and nobody was injured in the incident.

Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack but police in Nepal suspect the Maoist rebels to be responsible for it. In a strong-worded statement, the US embassy in Kathmandu condemned the attacks and said it clearly violated all international norms and laws.

Embassy sources say some 90 Peace Corps volunteers will be affected from the decision to close down Peace Corps operations in Nepal temporarily. Most of these volunteers worked in remote, rural areas in sectors including education, health, forestry and family planning. The Peace Corps started its operations in Nepal from 1963.

It could not be known how long it would take for the Peace Corps to resume its operations in Nepal. The spokesperson of the US embassy in Kathmandu could not be reached for comments.

The Nepal government is yet to comment on the US decision of suspending Peace Corps activities temporarily and allowing family members of US embassy staff to move back to their homes.

In the aftermath of the attack at the American Center in Kathmandu last week, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba had ordered for heightened security to US citizens and its interests in Nepal. He also condemned the attack at the American Center.

Earlier, a pro-Maoist trade union had warned that it would force all US-financed industries and businesses in Nepal to close down forever. The Maoists blame the US government of supporting the Nepal government financially and militarily to fight against them.

In a statement issued on Monday, US embassy in Kathmandu, however, said the attacks on US diplomatic facilities would only serve to increase American support for efforts of the government of Nepal.

The US government has designated the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) as a Terrorist Organization under the "Terrorist Exclusion List" of the Immigration and Nationality Act and under Executive Order 13224. These two designations make Maoists excludable from entry into the United States and bars U.S. citizens from transactions such as contribution of funds, goods, or services to, or for the benefit of the Maoists. nepalnews.com by Sep 15 04

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