SAFETY

[Bob]

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

NEPAL

September 13, 2001The Department of State cautions all Americans travelling or living in Nepal that the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoists) is reportedly planning large demonstrations in Kathmandu around September 21. A large number of people from outlying towns and villages is expected to enter the capital for the demonstrations. Civil disturbances are possible, and major disruptions of traffic in and around Kathmandu are likely. The possibility for violence also exists. As always, Americans in Nepal are urged to exercise caution and to avoid crowds or demonstrations.

[Andrees]

The governement has just forbidden all demonstrations in Kathmandu for the next month. It seems that the maoists have cancelled the demonstration th 21th of september. It is planned to do it one week later in biratnagar. If you are bound to travel to nepal inform you regulary at nepal news. http://www.nepalnews.com/. I think that even with no official demonstration it will be very tense in kathmandu around 20-22 sept anyway. Dont think, that the little "cosy" towns of Patan and Bhaktapure will be less problematic. A lot of the small industry is located there and the workers are very poor. In the past the biggest clashes between leftist and police where mostly in Patan and Bhaktapur.
Dont be to worried to go to Nepal, for Tourists Nepal is still pretty safe and the people are wonderfull. Just try to avoid excited crowds and leave as fast as possible the streets when the merchands roll down their doars. Dont hesitate to seek shelter in one of the shops, you may even find new friends.
I wish you Good Luck and a nice time in loved Nepal
andrées