EU welcomes the peace agreement in Nepal

Kathmandu, Nov 11 (UNI) The European Union has welcomed the peace agreement reached between the Nepal government and the CPN-Maoists Tuesday night.

''The EU also welcomes the decision on setting up democratic institutions and the decision on elections to a Constituent Assembly,'' the EU said in a press statement issued here today.

''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,'' the statement said.

The EU has called upon the government to build trust and guarantee that human rights and the rule of law are respected in all parts of the country.

Meanwhile, Neena Gill, president of the European Parliament Delegation to South Asian Countries, has welcomed the peace agreement. ''I welcome the Maoist agreement to lock up their weapons and work towards signing a peace agreement by November 16.'' ''The Marathon two-day negotiations produced the best result we could have hoped for... we must now translate this result into a major and definite turning point in the history of Nepal.

Over the ten-year unrest, over 13,000 people have been killed.

No one wants more bloodshed.'' India, UK, Denmark, Switzerland and the US have already welcomed the peace agreement.

UNI XC SHB VC1730