The Hindu : International : U.S. asks staff to leave Nepal

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 16, 2004

International

International

U.S. asks staff to leave Nepal

WASHINGTON, SEPT. 15. The U.S. State Department has authorised the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members of its Embassy in Nepal's capital and suspended Peace Corps aid work in the country.

It said in a travel warning yesterday the embassy had received information that Maoist rebels might attack or take actions specifically against U.S. citizens.

"The Department of State authorised the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members of the U.S. Embassy on a voluntary basis, and the Peace Corps temporarily suspended all operations in Nepal," it said.

Travel advisory

The department also urged U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to the Himalayan kingdom.

The State Department said the rebels might attack US citizens as part of a "contingency" following Maoist supreme commander Prachanda's warning on July 1, 2004 to use "more violent means" if peace talks with the government were unsuccessful.

The travel warning said rebels had burned or bombed tourist resorts after foreigners staying there were given a short notice to evacuate. — AFP

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