§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Nepal. [129465]
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§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe collapse of the ceasefire and peace talks between the Government of Nepal and the Maoists is a very disappointing development. It heightens the risk of renewed violence and suffering in Nepal which will benefit no-one.
It remains the firm belief of the UK Government that no military solution to the conflict is possible, and we welcome the Nepalese Government's expressed willingness to continue to pursue a peaceful solution. We strongly urge all parties to return to the negotiation table, and work together to find a lasting solution.
The UK Government stand ready to provide support for a renewed peace process. UK assistance to Nepal has included a £6 million Global Conflict Prevention Pool package this year to help tackle the root causes of the conflict. The Department for International Development is providing £22 million of development assistance this financial year.