Kathmandu, February 2:

EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), Javier Solana, has urged King Gyanendra to “show necessary leadership and foresight” by restoring all political and civil liberties by beginning dialogue with the major political parties and taking steps towards a ceasefire and inclusive national dialogue to bring an end to the conflict.

Solana, in a statement from Brussels, has also condemned the Maoist attack on Tansen terming its as “senseless, which we condemn unreservedly.”

Saying that the EU will continue to monitor closely the situation in Nepal and to press for early progress towards peace and genuine democracy, Solana in the statement said, “One year on, I remain concerned by the lack of progress towards a return to democratic government at a time when Nepal faces many challenges to its stability.”