US groups warn against 'dangerous' military aid to Nepal army

Washington "stands ready to provide assistance to security forces if requested by the new government," Richard Boucher, the Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, told a Congressional hearing.

Boucher said he made the offer to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala during a visit to Kathmandu earlier this month after mass protests forced Nepal King Gyanendra to restore democracy.

"This offer includes a commitment to continue training programmes that improve the human rights record of Nepali security forces," he said.

Nepal has one of the highest numbers of political disappearances, blamed on the military, rights groups say. They also say torture is widespread.

Sam Zarifi, research director of the Asia division at US group Human Rights Watch, told the hearing that Washington should not rush into resuming military aid.

"The United States should not resume transfer of lethal military material to the (military) until and unless a legitimate civilian Nepali government requests the aid and until the (military) demonstrates that it is a disciplined, accountable force," he said.

John Norris, the Washington head of the International Crisis Group think tank, warned that any resumption of military aid that did not meet basic criteria "would be seen as dangerous and provocative measures" by Maoist rebels as well as mainstream politicians in Nepal.

Washington suspended lethal military aid after King Gyanendra sacked the government and took direct control of the country in February last year.

The ruler climbed down and handed back power to the political parties earlier this month after weeks of often violent anti-royal protests organised by seven sidelined political parties in loose alliance with Maoist rebels.

Nepal's parliament voted unanimously Thursday for drastic curbs on the powers of King Gyanendra, including taking away his control of the army.

Curtailing the king's powers is part of the new administration's efforts to persuade Maoist rebels to uphold a ceasefire declared after the king gave up power and to take part in peace talks.

The Maoists' 10-year revolt has left 12,500 dead.

Boucher said Thursday the United States hoped that the Maoists' commitments to peace and multi-party democracy was genuine.

"However, based on their track record, they have not earned the benefit of the doubt," he said.