The European Union Heads of Mission in Nepal have appealed to all the parties to uphold high standards in the forthcoming Constituent Assembly (CA) election.

In a press release issued by the Embassy of France in Kathmandu - the local EU presidency - the EU has said that the parties must maintain highest standards of behavior during the polls.

"As Nepal prepares for its historic Constituent Assembly elections in nine days' time, the European Union Heads of Missions urge all parties to maintain the highest standards of behaviour before, during and after the polls to take place on 10th April 2008," states the release.

"The people of Nepal have the right to choose their new representatives free from threat or intimidation from any quarter," it said adding that all should end the current violence and abide fully by the Election Code of Conduct.

"These elections herald a new chapter in the peace process in which it will be essential for all parties to cooperate in agreeing a new Constitution for the country. The EU looks forward to continuing its support for this process." nepalnews.com sd Apr 01 08