EU welcomes govt-Maoist agreement on arms management

August 12, 2006
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EU flag (Photo source : bbc.co.uk)

The European Union (EU) has welcomed the latest agreement between the Government of Nepal and the CPN (Maoist) to invite the United Nations for management of arms and armies of the state and the rebels.

“The Presidency of the European Union takes note with satisfaction that the Government of Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) have agreed on the content of the request to the United Nations to seek assistance in Nepal’s peace process,” a EU release stated.

It added, “The Presidency welcomes this positive step and believes that the agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) on the need for United Nations involvement in human rights monitoring, monitoring of the code of conduct during the ceasefire and assisting in the management of arms and armed personnel on both sides, is a clear indication of willingness by both parties to engage in concrete actions for sustainable peace.”

The EU further said it believed that the UN could play an important role in bringing much-needed stability and in increasing confidence and trust between the concerned parties. “The Presidency reiterates EU’s full support to the Peace Process and encourages the parties to continue their efforts in good spirit.”

Following high-level talks, the government and the rebel leadership sent identical letters to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan asking for the world body’s help in Nepal’s peace process including the management of arms.

The agreement came nearly a weekly after an assessment mission of the UN headed by Staffan de Mistura left Nepal after a weeklong tour, calling for consensus over the UN role in Nepal’s peace process.

The agreement has been hailed from a wide section of the international community including India.