Kathmandu, May 25:

Ambassadors of member states of the European Union (EU) told the Maoist leadership today that the second stage of arms verification should begin without any pre-conditions.

The ambassadors of member states of the European Union today met Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) and his deputy Babu Ram Bhattarai at the German embassy in Gyaneshwor.

During the meeting, the ambassadors expressed concerns about the ‘uncertainty’ surrounding constituent assembly elections and deteriorating law and order situation. They also drew the attention of Prachanda and Bhattarai towards the activities of the Young Communist League (YCL).

“A serious discussion was held on the eight-party meeting, disrupted parliament and dates for constituent assembly elections,” the Maoist chairman said. Urging the Maoist leadership to comply with earlier agreements, the EU delegation also discussed the weakening law and order situation in villages and its effects on smooth conduct of free and fair polls.

The Maoist leaders termed the discussion “positive.” “We are concerned about YCL’s activities,” German ambassador Franz Erwin Ring, who holds the EU presidency in Nepal, told reporters after the meeting.

Prachanda said that the YCL was formed to help carry out “policing” in the country.