Even though I am a staunch supporter of democracy, I have always held the belief that blanket and forceful imposition of Western-style democracy in other societies, with blatant disregard to their cultural, historical and social traditions, is immensely harmful. In this regard, I have always had tremendous loathe for the present American government's policy of "spreading democracy" THEIR WAY.
However, I must say exceptions are inevitable. I could not have felt more touched by what Senetor Patrick Leahy (of Vermont??) had to say on the floor of the Senate about KingG's move. Ditto my sentiments!
The following is the transcript:
STATEMENT OF SENATOR PATRICK LEAHY
A STEP BACKWARDS IN NEPAL
February 2, 2005
MR. LEAHY. Mr. President, yesterday, for the second time in less than
three years, King Gyanendra of Nepal dismissed the multiparty government
and declared a state of emergency suspending fundamental constitutional
rights. Apparently, he will assume the duties of the deposed Prime
Minister and appoint a new Cabinet.
Throughout its troubled past, Nepal has suffered from the neglect and
often violent and corrupt misrule of many monarchs. For that reason,
those familiar with its history may not be completely surprised by this
unfortunate development.
Yet one would have thought that in the 21st Century, this type of thing
would, by now, be a distant memory. At a time when a vicious Maoist
insurgency is gaining ground in Nepal, it would be hard to conceive of a
worse time for the King to repeat his past mistake.
There is no military solution to this conflict. Nepal is a place where,
not unlike Afghanistan, a handful of extremists with rifles and
explosives can wreak havoc and easily disappear into the rugged
countryside. By terrorizing rural villagers and exploiting the
Government's neglect of them, the Maoists have steadily extended their
reach to large areas of the country.
The Nepalese Army, while somewhat more effective than a few years ago
when it performed little more than ceremonial duties, has likewise
alienated much of the rural population by arbitrarily arresting,
disappearing and killing civilians suspected of sympathizing with the
Maoists. Today, the Army, rather than defending democracy, is defending
the King. It is clear that the King and the Army concocted this
together, despite having assured the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights last week that concerns about violations of human rights would be
addressed.
This year, the United States plans to provide some $40 million in
economic aid to Nepal. Much of this is channeled by USAID through
nongovernmental organizations. But we are also providing support to the
Nepalese Government, as well as training and equipment to the Army. In
fact, several months ago we approved the transfer of $1 million in
fiscal year 2004 military equipment that had not initially been
appropriated for Nepal.
The Indian Government, to its credit, issued a strong statement critical
of the King's actions. The State Department has also called for the
immediate restoration of multiparty democracy. King Gyanendra is on
notice that he will be held responsible for infringement of the rights
of free speech and assembly, or abuses of citizens who have defended
human rights and democracy.
The State Department should also make clear that unless democratic
government and fundamental rights are promptly restored, the United
States will cut off aid to the Government and the Army under Section 508
of the Foreign Operations Act which was designed to deter and punish
this type of act. Regardless of whether or not the King may have acted
within his authority under Nepal's Constitution, and I do not know if he
did or not, that is not the issue. The intent of our law to safeguard
democracy is clear. The price is losing U.S. aid. Furthermore, if the
$1 million in military equipment previously transferred has not yet been
delivered, it should be withheld.
Everyone who has followed Nepal's recent history would agree that its
ten year "experiment" with democracy has not been easy. Democracy is
never easy, and no one should minimize the threat the Maoists pose. But
the answer is not to undermine democracy. The answer, as President Bush
expressed in his Inaugural Address, is to work, with help from the
international community, to strengthen democracy. I believe the United
States Congress would welcome that opportunity.
Mr. President, King Gyanendra has made a tragic blunder. He still has
time to prevent a momentary crisis from becoming a disaster for his
country and perhaps for the monarchy itself.
I yield the floor.
***********************
EXACTEMENT, Monsieur Leahy! Merci beaucoup!!!
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