US suspends Peace Corps in Nepal, ask embassy families to leave

Wed Sep 15, 4:30 AM ET

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US State Department announced it has authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members of the US Embassy in Nepal's capital and suspended Peace Corps aid work in the country due to security concerns.

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


"(Today), the Department of State authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members of the US Embassy on a voluntary basis, and the Peace Corps temporarily suspended all operations in Nepal," it said.


The department also urged US citizens to defer non-essential travel to the Himalayan kingdom, wracked by an upsurge of violence blamed on Maoist guerillas fighting for a communist republic in Nepal since 1996.


The insurgency has so far claimed more than 10,000 lives.


The State Department said the rebels might attack US citizens as 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 not forthcoming or were unsuccessful.


Last Friday, two bombs exploded at the American Center compound in Kathmandu. There were no injuries, but the blasts damaged the facility.


The United States has designated the Communist Party of Nepal as a terrorist organization.


The US travel warning said the rebels had burned or bombed tourist resorts after the foreigners staying there were given short notice to evacuate. They also detonated bombs periodically within Kathmandu itself. Several bombs have exploded in Thamel, a tourist hub.


US citizens were also advised to avoid road travel outside the Kathmandu Valley unless they had reliable information that they could proceed safely in specific areas at specific times.