EU urges change in Nepal

BRUSSELS, Thursday (AFP) - The European Union urged Nepal's King Gyanendra to change tack, reach out to the opposition and work toward a ceasefire, one year after he seized power.

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said Gyanendra had wanted to be seen as a progressive leader in a peaceful democratic country after the dissolution of the multi-party government on February 1, 2005.

"In order for it to happen there has to be an urgent change of direction to deliver the peace, democracy and other civil liberties that the people of Nepal want and need," he said in a statement.

Solana criticised restrictions the government has placed on people's rights and its failure to look for a negotiated settlement to its conflict with the Maoist rebels.

"The sad failure by the king and his government to declare a truce and to engage in dialogue at the time of the recent Maoist unilateral ceasefire was an opportunity missed," he said.