The European Union (EU) on Monday called on Nepal's King Gyanendra to call a truce with Maoist rebels, who extended a unilateral cease-fire by one month after joining efforts to restore democracy there.
"The EU urges the king to declare a truce and uphold international human rights and humanitarian obligations to provide a conducive environment for peace building," the EU said in a statement.
The 25-nation bloc also called on the Maoists to "announce an immediate cessation of violence for political ends and to implement their undertaking in good faith" in a bid to bring peace to the Himalayan country.
"A complete cessation of hostilities between the Maoists and the government is a crucial step towards a lasting peace," it said, encouraging all parties to work towards the launch of a national dialogue.
Maoist rebels, who have been fighting for a communist republic in Nepal since 1996, on Friday extended their three-month unilateral cease-fire by one month.
The Maoists and seven mainstream opposition parties agreed last month to form an anti-royal alliance to restore democracy, setting out a 12-point plan and calling for an end to fighting and for elections held under UN auspices.