08/12/2005 (Agence Europe) - In a declaration issued by the British EU Council Presidency on 7 December: “The EU welcomes the announcement by the Maoists to extend their unilateral ceasefire and the new impetus the announcement provides to efforts to find a political solution to Nepal's conflict. The EU calls upon the Maoists to announce an immediate and permanent cessation of violence for political ends, to implement their undertaking in good faith and uphold their commitment to respect human rights and the rule of law agreed with seven political parties. The EU urges the King and the Government of Nepal to call a truce and uphold its international human rights and humanitarian law obligations to provide a conducive environment for peace building. A complete cessation of hostilities between the Maoists and the Government of King Gyanendra is a crucial step towards a lasting peace and an end to the suffering of the Nepalese people. The EU encourages all parties involved now to work toward the initiation of an inclusive national dialogue in Nepal with a view to resolving the underlying causes of conflict. The EU continues to see a need for the United Nations or other appropriate external body to help broker and monitor a ceasefire agreement and facilitate a peace process”.