By Pushpranjan, EuAsiaNews,
Kathmandu : European Union diplomats based in Kathmandu have urged the Unified CPN (Maoist) to withdraw its indefinite strike starting May 2 and seek a solution through dialogue.
The EU diplomats also expressed fear that the country might face renewed violence and instability.
During the meeting with Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Thursday at the Maoist central office in Koteshor, the EU diplomats urged the Maoist leadership for more flexibility and consensus on contentious issues.
“The strike was my party’s last weapon to compel the current government to resign and open way for formation of a new national government , the stir will be peaceful”, the Maoist chief replied to the European diplomats.
EU diplomats also discussed the extension and mandate of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN), whose term ends in mid May.
Meanwhile, United Nations Human Rights Office in Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal) has urged the Unified CPN (Maoist), the government and the security forces to exercise the highest level of restraint to prevent violence amid a tense political environment.
“The right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are central to the principles of democracy, pluralism and respect for human rights – the very foundations of Nepal’s peace process,” stated a press release issued by OHCHR on Thursday, two days before the protest programmes announced by the Maoists.
It urged the Maoists to ensure that demonstrators do not engage in any form of provocation, confrontation or hostile behavior.
“In this context the UCPN-M has a special responsibility to ensure that children are not put in harm’s way,” OHCHR office said.