Kathmandu, April 26 (Inditop.com) With Nepal’s Maoist guerrillas announcing a show of might on May 1 followed by an indefinite general strike nationwide, a concerned European Union has asked the former rebels not to trigger a crisis.
The ambassadors of EU nations Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain and the European Union met Maoist chief and former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda Monday along with the ambassadors of Norway and Switzerland.
Expressing concern at the lack of progress in the peace process and at the raised political tensions, the delegation has asked the Maoist chief to show flexibility and make concessions in order to avoid a crisis. A statement issued by them said they were deeply concerned at the demonstration planned for May 1 and the impact on the economy and tourism the general strike threatened from May 2 would have.
The envoys also broached “worrying” reports of physical training being given to cadre, and the risk of a confrontation.
Urging Prachanda to ensure the protests were restrained and peaceful, they also said the Maoists should try to solve the situation round a negotiating table instead of on the streets.
The envoys were also concerned about the Maoists raising funds through extortion and threats in the districts, which, they said, was creating a climate of fear.
