The European Commission (EC) delegation visiting Nepal has asked the Maoists to renounce violence and commit to decommissioning their weapons as a precondition for free and fair elections to a Constituent Assembly and as part of a peace process.
Addressing a press conference at the end of its two-day visit to Nepal on Friday, leader of the delegation, Hervé Jouanjean, Deputy Director General of the Directorate-General for External Relations, said he conveyed the message of the EU in support of the ongoing transition to full-fledged multi-party democracy, the establishment of an effective democratic government and efforts aimed at lasting peace during the meeting with ministers and senior government officials.
“We have also discussed the possible contributions of the European Commission on the provision of peace-building support to Nepal,” he said.
Jouanjean further said, “I would like to stress that despite the positive developments over the past weeks, in particular the agreement reached on a Code of Conduct, there are still many challenges ahead.”
“It is the hope of the European Commission that all parties to the conflict show clear commitment to lasting peace and make credible efforts to settle differences. In this respect, it is essential that both the Government of Nepal and the Maoists respect the ceasefire and I call upon all sides to uphold human rights and observe international humanitarian law. It is of utmost importance that this opportunity is not lost and that Nepal embarks on a trail of peace, stability, and social and economic prosperity,” he added.
He expressed satisfaction that situation in Nepal has achieved positive changes since the EU Troika visited Nepal in October 2005.
He further said, “The European Commission believes that it is up to the Nepalese people to decide what type of constitution and government they wish for Nepal; thus, in our view it is important that the processes towards a peaceful Nepal are inclusive, transparent and accountable.”
During the two day visit, the three-member EC delegation met the Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs KP Oli, Minister of Home Affairs Krishna Prasad Sitaula, Minister of Finance Dr Ram Sharan Mahat, political leaders, representatives of the international community in Nepal including the UN, the business community and civil society leaders to take a first hand account of their views of the situation and the most important challenges ahead.
The delegation also discussed issues like how the international community can best support the processes ahead towards lasting peace and support Nepal in recapturing human, social, and economic development potentials.
The delegation left Nepal on Friday.