Brussels, 10/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 8 May, the Spanish Presidency made the following declaration on behalf of the EU:
"The EU expresses its deep concern at the worsening security situation in Nepal and the continuing violence and brutal attacks against civilians by the Maoists. The EU condemns the use of violence and intimidation and calls upon the Maoists to end their terror tactics, disarm and to pursue their goals through negotiation and the political process in good faith. The EU specifically deplores Maoists attacks against civil infrastructures, which severely harm the development of Nepal. These events threaten Nepal's stability and undermine its democratic system. The EU strongly supports the right of the people of Nepal to continue to enjoy and consolidate their young democracy and rejects any attempt to take it away from them. The EU endorses the efforts of the Government of Nepal to urge the Maoists to return to the negotiating table in good faith in order to achieve a peaceful and sustainable political resolution of the present crisis. At the same time, the EU exhorts the Government of Nepal and its security forces to avoid all action which might lead to innocent civilians becoming victims of the conflict. Nepalese authorities are expected to remain vigilant of human rights abuses by Government Agencies or security forces under the present state of emergency regulations."