Kathmandu: US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Christina Rocca has assured US government's continued support to strengthen Democracy in Nepal and its fight against Maoist insurgency.

Rocca, who arrived here on December 13 on a three-day visit, had talks with King Gyanendra, Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand, Foreign Minister Narendra Bikram Shan and Chief of Army Staff Pyargjung Thapa.

During the high level talks the two countries discussed matters of bilateral relations and US-Nepal co-operation, officials said.

Rocca expressed concern over the escalating Maoist violence and pledged US assistance to combat it, an official at the Foreign Ministry said.

She is also reported to have shown concern over the slow progress made in the integrated development and security project (ISDP) being implemented in the Maoist- hit districts by Nepal under the US assistance.

Rocca assured the US government's support for an early settlement of the problem of 100,000 Nepal's refugees.

The terror unleashed by the Maoists, political and economic ramifications as well as the post October 4 Royal takeover situations dominated the talks.

The US government has been continuously providing financial as well as security assistance to Nepal to combat the seven-years long Maoist insurgency.

PTI