23/05/2003 (Agence Europe) - On 16 May, the Greek Presidency made the following statement on behalf of the EU. "The EU notes with satisfaction the peace negotiations which have bee opened between His Majesty's Government of Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). The EU reaffirms its support for an inclusive democratic political process and successful negotiation. Recent developments have given cause for concern and EU urges all sides to adopt a flexible approach and renounce violence. The EU welcomes the recent public commitment of HMG/N and the CPN (Maoist) to negotiate with the National Human Rights Commission a separate Human Rights Accord. The EU views this initiative as a significant step in the peace process which will bolster confidence. The EU is willing to support the implementation of this agreement. The EU will continue to support the Government of Nepal in its efforts to tackle poverty, discrimination and to improve governance. Successful negotiations between His Majesty's Government of Nepal and the CPN (Maoist) would provide an improved basis for future co-operation between the EU and HMG/N.