US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca has ruled out the possibility of the US releasing any kind of arms to Nepal at the moment.

Talking to journalists here Wednesday at the end of her three- day visit to Nepal, Rocca claimed "military assistance remains under review as long as there is no democracy in Nepal."

"We are very concerned about democratic situation (in Nepal), and there is need to release political prisoners and restoration of civil liberties. Until then, military supplies will remain under review," she said.

When asked if the "review" means "suspension," she said "yes."

"There are specific provisions in US law that prohibit us from engaging with military units that have been involved in human rights abuses," she added.

During her meeting with Nepali King Gyanendra, Rocca also expressed the concerns from Washington.

However, the US official said US development assistance to Nepal will be continued "unabated."

Rocca winded up her three-day "regular" visit to Nepal on Wednesday. During her stay in Kathmandu, she met with the king, two vice-chairmen of the Council of Ministers, chief of the army staff and political party leaders.

Source: Xinhua