KATHMANDU, NOV 03 - Expressing serious concern over the UCPN (Maoist) protests, the international community urged Maoist Chairman Puspha Kamal Dahal to respect the democratic process and use the Constituent Assembly, parliament and other peace process mechanisms to pursue their programme of opposition.

A day after Maoists took over Dhankuta municipality office as part of their protest, Dahal met the heads of diplomatic missions on Tuesday and tried to assure that the protests would be peaceful. Dahal apprised the envoys of the political situation and his co-mmitment to the peace process, party foreign cell chief Krishna Bahadur Mahara said.

During the meeting at Hotel Annapurna, Maoist leaders tried to garner support for their protest programme. “We assured them that there was nothing to worry about and the impact of the protest would be minimum,” Mahara said.

Twelve envoys, including those of India, European Union, the United States, Russia, and heads of internatio-nal agencies were present. 

“The ambassadors of EU and Russia and the US Charge d’Affaires expressed serious concern about the demonstrations and the risk of escalating tension and asked the chairman to reconsider the programme,” read a press release issued by the British embassy on behalf of nine missions.

The envoys called on the Maoists to respect the safety and right to freedom of movement of Nepalis and foreign ci-tizens, and of the representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations. “They underlined the significant damage the closure of the airport and obstruction of Nepal’s tourist infrastructure would do to Nepal’s reputation, particularly during the peak tourist season, and the resulting damage to Nepal’s economy,” the release said.

The EU, Russia and US representatives called on all parties to exercise restraint, and to work together in the spirit of the peace agreement to resolve differences and to make sustained efforts to complete the timely and effective implementation of agreements.

Likewise, OHCHR-Nepal has urged the Maoists, the government and other parties’ cadre to ensure that the human rights of all individuals are protected and respected. 

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