Brussels, 22/12/2004 (Agence Europe) - An EU Troika visited Nepal from 13 to 15 December, following which it 'strongly urges the CPN(M) (the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) to respond positively, without preconditions, to the invitation for dialogue' with the government. 'Failure to do so on the part of CPN(M) will serve as evidence that CPN(M) has no real intention of pursuing political objective through legitimate means.' The EU notes in a press release that it 'sees no alternative to a government with a broad-based democratic mandate, and urges all democratic and constitutional forces to rally behind the incumbent government and present a united front. Despite the difficulties in envisaging election in the current climate, it is important to set out and begin work on the steps towards this goal. It is essential that a security environment is created to allow elections that will be free and fair.' In the face of a deteriorating human rights situation, the EU renewed its support for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) which 'must give given free and unhindered access to all places of detention without the need for prior notice.' The EU notes that it has provided more than EUR n100 million in development and humanitarian aid, and is 'seriously concerned that the current situation is making it increasingly difficult to implement development and cooperation assistance.'