02/12/2005 (Agence Europe) - On 1 December, the British Presidency published two statements on Nepal. In the first, the EU recognises 'the effort of the political parties in Nepal in securing an agreement with the Maoists which could form the basis for a peace process in Nepal. The EU will be considering in detail the announcements made by the political parties and the Maoists. The EU welcomed the announcement of a unilateral ceasefire in September. At the same time the EU also urged the Maoists to take concrete steps towards a permanent end to the use of violence for political ends. The agreement between the parties and the Maoists seems to make some positive moves in that direction. The EU continues to support a transition of the Maoists into a mainstream political party, but reiterates its belief that such a process must entail a firm commitment by the Maoists to renounce violence, including by putting its arms verifiably beyond use. As a first step, the EU calls on the Maoists to extend their present ceasefire and to work to create the right conditions for peace talks to resume.' As the Troika said in October, the EU urges the King to reach out to the political parties to develop a common agenda for a full return to multi-party democracy. To this end, the EU urges the King and the Government of Nepal to call a truce and begin serious engagement on a negotiated settlement to the conflict. The EU repeats its readiness to support a meaningful peace process.' In the second, the EU condemns 'the seizure of radio equipment on 27 November from the Sagarmatha FM station in Kathmandu by the security forces. The EU again calls upon the Government of Nepal to uphold the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal and allow the people of Nepal their universal right to freedom of expression.'