To express the sense of the Senate in support of the immediate release from detention of political detainees and the restoration of constitutional liberties and democracy in Nepal.

SA 492. Mr. LEAHY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill H.R. 1268, Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, to establish and rapidly implement regulations for State driver's license and identification document security standards, to prevent terrorists from abusing the asylum laws of the United States, to unify terrorism-related grounds for inadmissibility and removal, to ensure expeditious construction of the San Diego border fence, and for other purposes; as follows:

At the appropriate place in the bill, insert the following:

nepal

Sec. (a) Findings.--The Senate makes the following findings--

That, on February 1, 2005, Nepal's King Gyanendra dissolved the multi-party government, suspended constitutional liberties, and arrested political party leaders, human rights activists and representatives of civil society organizations.

That, despite condemnation of the King's actions and the suspension of military aid to Nepal by India and Great Britain, and similar steps by the United States, the King has refused to restore constitutional liberties and democracy.

That, there are concerns that the King's actions will strengthen Nepal's Maoist Insurgency.

That, while some political leaders have been released from custody, there have been new arrests of human rights activists and representatives of other civil society organizations.

That, the King has thwarted efforts of members of the National Human Rights Commission to conduct monitoring activities, but recently agreed to permit the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to open an office in Katmandu to monitor and investigate violations.

That, the Maoists have committed atrocities agamst civilians and poses a threat to democracy in Nepal.

That, the Nepalese Army has also committed gross violations of human rights.

That, King Gyanendra has said that he intends to pursue a military strategy against the Maoists.

That, Nepal needs an effective military strategy to counter the Maoists and pressure ry them to negotiate an end to the conflict, but such a strategy must include the Nepalese Anny's respect for the human rights and dignity of the Nepalese people.

That, an effective strategy to counter the Maoists also requires a political process that is inclusive and democratic in which constitutional rights are protected, and government policies that improve the lives of the Nepalese people.

(b) Now therefore, be it

Resolved, that it is the Sense of the Senate that King Gyanendra should immediately release all political detainees, restore constitutional liberties, and undertake good faith negotiations with the leaders of Nepal's political parties to restore democracy.