By IANS,
Kathmandu : The first reactions from the outside world to the upheaval in Nepal following the resignation of Maoist Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda started to come in with the European Union fearing the instability would damage the fragile peace process, that needs to be completed by next year.
The European Union Heads of Mission in Nepal – Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, United Kingdom and European Commission – and the representative of the Netherlands in Kathmandu as well as the US issued a joint statement saying they were seriously concerned over the current political developments in Nepal and over the damaging consequences for the peace process.
“We call on all political parties to act responsibly and in accordance with democratic principles,” the statement said as fear of clashes between Maoist cadres and the other parties arose. “There can be no place for violence.”
The missions called for resolution of the present political challenges through dialogue and peaceful constitutional means. “We urge all political parties to find common ground for peace and stability in the national interests of Nepal,” the statement said.
Southern neighbour India pushed for “broadest possible political consensus” and hoped that the present crisis in Nepal is resolved in a manner which contributes to the early conclusion of the peace process. Reacting to the crisis in the Himalayan republic, New Delhi struck a cautious note saying “what is happening in Nepal is internal to Nepal”.
“We wish Nepal well in its transition to a fully democratic polity and would hope that the present crisis is resolved in a manner which contributes to the early conclusion of the peace process,” External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in a statement in New Delhi.
“We would hope that the broadest possible political consensus would make it possible for Nepal to concentrate on the agreed task of constitution-making and of democratic transition.”
The UN also urged for restraint.
“The Secretary-General is seriously concerned about the current political crisis in Nepal centred on the relationship between the Government and the Chief of Army Staff and the possible risks posed to the peace process,” a statement issued by the UN chief’s office in New York said.
“The Secretary-General calls on all concerned to resolve the crisis through dialogue and consensus, with full respect for the provisions of the constitution,” it added.