Maoist rebels encouraged Western tourists to come to Nepal in a fax to news organizations March 21, inviting them to visit rebel strongholds but warning against straying into areas where conflict is occurring. But the note also threatened the tourism industry, especially travel businesses owned by prominent Nepalese. Maoists are also calling for a general strike April 2-6. If the strike is enforced, travel by any means would be risky, including to and from the airport. The state of emergency imposed in November is still in place and attacks have increased in the last two months, but rumors are circulating of secret talks between the rebels and the government in an effort to find a settlement.
