13/11/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 10 November, the Finnish Presidency issued a declaration, on behalf of the EU, warmly welcoming the significant progress in the peace process in Nepal, where, on Wednesday, the Maoist rebels and the parties in power signed an agreement to form an inclusive interim government. The EU also welcomed the decision to set up democratic institutions and to hold elections to a Constituent Assembly. The most important challenge, it said, would be to secure an environment conducive to the holding of free and fair elections. The EU believes the role of the United Nations in assisting in the electoral and arms management processes to be “vital”. All parties must now keep up the momentum in the peace process, said the EU, calling on the new Government to “build trust and guarantee that human rights and the rule of law are respected in all parts of the country”. (ol)