A delegation of the European Union began a four-day visit to the Nepalese capital Kathmandu to push forward the peace process in the Himalayan nation Monday, according to dpa. A delegation led by Pedro Moitinho De Almeida, representative of the EU presidency for political dialogues, will meet local political leaders to assess the country's progress. "The aim of the visit is to express continued EU support for Nepal's peace process and to encourage the parties to work together to meet the demands that the people of Nepal have expressed for change and peace," an EU press release said. Political deadlocks prevail between the main political parties over Maoist demands for immediate abolition of monarchy and reforms to the electoral system. Their differences with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's Nepali Congress led to the Maoists walking out of the government two months ago. That also led to the November postponement of elections to choose a constituent assembly tasked to draft the country's new constitution and vote on the future of monarchy. The EU is calling for improvement of public security, discussions on the future of Maoist combatants and an end to impunity. "We have high hopes that the current peace process will result in lasting peace and change for the people of Nepal," the statement said. "The EU stands ready to support the government of Nepal and we look forward to discussions with all concerned parties during our visit." In November, former American President Jimmy Carter visited Nepal to urge politicians to end the political deadlock and announce new election dates. The assembly election, a key component of the peace deal between the government and the Maoists, was originally scheduled for June.
