Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on recent developments in Nepal

Press release 456/2006
10 November, 2006

The European Union warmly welcomes the significant progress in the peace process in Nepal, and in particular the signing of the agreement to form an inclusive interim government in Nepal.

The EU also welcomes the decision on setting up democratic institutions and the decision on elections to a Constituent Assembly. The most important challenge ahead will be securing an environment conducive to the holding of free and fair elections.

The EU stresses its continued support to the peace process in Nepal, in close cooperation with the international community. The EU expresses its support to the United Nations and believes that the United Nations' role in assisting in the electoral and arms management processes will be vital.

All parties must now keep up the momentum in the peace process. The EU calls upon the new Government to build trust and guarantee that human rights and the rule of law are respected in all parts of the country.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.