Richard A. Boucher US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Some quotes from his recent Nepal trip: 1. "We support whatever decision the Nepali people make" 2. "A comprehensive peace agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Maoists is anticipated" 3. "I came here to better understand Nepal's transition to democracy, and it is clear this is an historic time" 4. "We will be fully prepared to deal with them [Maoist] as a political party when they start being a political party. Political parties don't run militias, political parties don't walk around with guns. You don't walk into parliament with a gun in your pocket" 5. "The Nepali people, who have lived in fear for 11 years, deserve a chance to live without fear and to choose their form of government in fair elections" 6. "We will also continue to contribute to Nepal's long-term development." source: By Suresh Nath Neupane www.kantipuronline.com