Brussels, 17/04/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Swedish Presidency has made the following declaration on behalf of the European Union:
"The EU expresses its profound concern at the serious escalation of violence and loss of life in the context of the Maoist insurgency in Nepal in the last days, and extends its condolences to the families of the bereaved. The EU condemns such serious acts of lethal violence. The EU expresses its support for democratic government and the process of democracy enshrined in the Constitution of Nepal, and urges all parties to exercise full respect for human rights in the search for a solution, and to strengthen democracy and rule of law in Nepal. The EU stresses its belief that citizens have a legitimate right to expect to live in safety, and that governments have a legitimate right to provide for the security and well being of their people. The EU urges all parties to redouble their efforts to find a negotiated and peaceful resolution to the current conflict, to promote stable and continuing development in Nepal.
The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the EU, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries members of the EEA, align themselves with this declaration."