Wednesday, April 6 2005 16:03 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: The United States has deferred its joint military exercise with Nepal and decided to review its military and developmental assistance to the Himalayan Kingdom in the light of the February 1 takeover by King Gyanendra.

"The US Government has postponed the US-Nepal Joint Combat Exchange Training Exercises scheduled to start in early March," US Embassy spokesperson Constance C Jones said.

The US-Nepal joint military exercises, which have been continued for the past one decade has been postponed this time keeping in view the whole developments that have taken place in Nepal following the February 1 political changes, she said.

"Owing to the current situation in Nepal the US Government felt appropriate to defer such a training programme this time," she said.

She also said that the US Government has not yet decided about the new dates for resuming the training exercises. "We hope that the situation in Nepal will change to allow us for resumption of the joint military exercises," she said.

Though the US Congress has approved $ 2 million security assistance and $ 42 million development assistance to Nepal earlier in the current fiscal year, the US Government has decided to review the assistances along with our allies to ensure a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Nepal, she said.

India and Britain have already halted their military assistance to Nepal following the February 1 royal takeover.

US had provided military assistances including arms, logistics and training to the Royal Nepalese Army to fight the maoist insurgents.