CFSP Statements

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union concerning the current political situation in Nepal, with alignment of third countries of 27 April 2006

The European Union (EU) has taken careful note of the proclamations issued by King Gyanendra on 21 and 24 April 2006, and of subsequent reaction to them within Nepal.

The EU urges the speedy implementation of the King´s decision to reinstate the House of Representatives. It welcomes the recognition that sovereignty in Nepal belongs to the people. The EU fully supports the Nepalese people in their aspirations for peace and democracy.

The EU now looks to the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) to exercise responsible leadership in the current tense situation. In view of the meeting of the House of Representatives announced for 28 April, the EU calls on the leaders of the SPA further to develop and operationalise the road map for democracy and peace. Action is needed without delay to restore peace to the country and to put in place a democratic, accountable government. The EU welcomes the SPA proposal to nominate Mr Koirala as Prime Minister.

The EU expects all Security Forces to refrain from the use of force against pro-democracy demonstrations and to be ready to work under a democratic government as soon as one is formed.

The EU continues to urge the transition of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) back into the democratic political mainstream, but this process must include the renunciation of violence and the decommissioning of weapons.

The EU commits itself to work with and to assist the democratic institutions which it hopes to see emerge from the present situation.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland and Liechtenstein, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.