To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions (a) he, (b) his officials and (c) UK representatives in Kathmandu have had with (i) the Government and (ii) the royal family of Nepal on (A) the December 2007 vote to abolish the monarchy, (B) possible UK assistance for the elections in April 2008 and (C) the position of the Madhesi ethnic group; and if he will make a statement. (192649)

The question of the future of the monarchy in Nepal is one which can only be decided by the people of Nepal themselves. The UK has had no discussions with the Government of Nepal on the December 2007 agreement to determine the process for declaring Nepal a republic. Furthermore, the UK has had no discussions with the Nepalese royal family on any of the issues identified by the hon. Member in his question.

The UK has supported the electoral process, for instance through co-funding the Election Commission and supporting education programmes aimed at raising awareness of a Constituent Assembly. We have maintained a comprehensive dialogue with the Government of Nepal and all political parties. I refer the hon. Member to the answer that the Minister for the Middle East, my hon. Friend the Member for Pontopridd (Dr. Howells), gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bassetlaw (John Mann), on 4 March 2008, Official Report, column 2358W.

The question of Madhesi rights and engagement in the political process has moved sharply up the agenda through the last year following significant disturbances and violent protests across the Terai region. The UK has had a wide-ranging dialogue with the Government of Nepal and officials representing Madhesi parties. I refer the hon. Member to the answer that my hon. Friend the Minister for the Middle East, gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Glenrothes (Mr. MacDougall) on 4 March 2008, Official Report, columns 2358-9W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the (a) security situation and (b) political stability of Nepal following the 2006 peace accord; and if he will make a statement. (192653)

Notwithstanding the signing of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in November 2006, Nepal has continued to see violence, much of which stems from intimidation, abductions and extortion, carried out by groups affiliated to the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (CPN(M)). In recent months, widespread violence has resulted in over 170 deaths in the Terai, the southern plains bordering India. The UK has urged the Government of Nepal and all political parties to work towards improving public security. In addition, we have offered assistance on policing and judicial reform issues and encouraged greater recognition of the rule of law.

The CPA cleared the way for a political settlement which saw the formation of an interim Parliament and an interim Government which included Ministers from CPN(M). Although there has been friction, not least when CPN(M) Ministers left Government briefly in 2007, and more recently during negotiations between the Government of Nepal and groups representing the Madhes, the UK hopes elections to a Constituent Assembly will be able to take place on 10 April 2008.