18/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - Future elections, Ashton congratulates political leaders. According to the spokesperson for the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, on 15 March, Catherine Ashton has welcomed the formation of an Interim Election Council in Nepal to organise national and local elections. In a press release, the spokesperson explained that Ashton commends Nepal's political leaders “for making the necessary concessions to guarantee that elections will be held in 2013 and encourages all parties to extend their support to the newly appointed Interim Election Council Chairman as he undertakes this crucial and complex task. Credible, transparent and inclusive elections are vital to meeting the rights and aspirations of the people; to reviving Nepal's democratic institutions; to finalising a new constitution; and to securing a lasting peace”. (CG/transl.fl)