Kathmandu, Nov. 20 -- As the political leadership in Nepal hems and haws over the pending parliamentary ratification of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Nepal Compact, a senior US State Department official has called for an early decision-and hinted that further delay could force Washington to divert the grant assistance to some other countries.

In an interaction with a section of Nepali journalists ahead of wrapping up his three-day Nepal visit, US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu said on Friday that it is up to Nepal to accept or reject the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant while he urged the Nepali leadership to pursue a "democratic and consultative approach" to endorse the $500 million grant from Parliament.

"If...