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'Pivotal moment'

Nepal will fall into greater violence and chaos, unless the interim government, which includes former Maoist rebels, acts quickly to establish security and democratic rights for its citizens, the U.S. ambassador to the Himalayan nation predicted in a farewell message this week.

Ambassador James F. Moriarty denounced the Maoists for failing to control a resurgence of political violence, criticized their governing partners for restricting press freedom and warned of the dangers of extremist groups among ethnic Madhesi in the southern lowlands.

"I am ending my assignment at a pivotal moment in Nepali history," he wrote in an article published in the weekly Newsfront magazine. "Democracy and peace are within view but hinge on a constituent assembly election on November 22 that is free and fair."

The election will select delegates to a convention to write a new constitution and decide the future of the monarchy. Widespread demonstrations last year forced King Gyanendra to renounce absolute powers.

Mr. Moriarty called on Maoist leader Pushpa Dahal, also known as Prachanda, to control the Maoist Young Communist League, blamed for continued street violence and warned that the Madhesi extremists pose a threat to the Terai region.

"For over a decade, Nepal stagnated during the Maoist insurgency," the ambassador said. "Supposedly peace is now here and the fighting has stopped — but only on paper. ... The Terai is awash with political violence, carried out by extremist Madhesi groups that are tearing the region apart with horrific fighting and heightened ethnic tensions."

He added, "The Maoists are in the government and claim to support the democratic process. As of today, however, their words are hollow, and everyone knows it."

Mr. Moriarty also warned the government to protect the press, facing growing intimidation especially in Terai where "attacks on journalists ... are occurring at an alarming rate."

"Democracy in Nepal will not survive without a free media," he said.