The European Union (EU) has resumed all suspended projects worth 17 million euros (22 million U.S. dollars) in Nepal, and expressed interest in assisting the peace process here, The Himalayan Times reported on Saturday.

"We are resuming the energy project worth 10 million euros (13 million dollars) and a project on conflict mitigation worth 7 million euros (9.2 million dollars)," the visiting Deputy Director General of the European Commission to Nepal Herve Jouanjean was quoted by the newspaper as saying.

He also said the EU was working on the next country strategy paper and a significant amount of aid will be made available to the country.

Jouanjean, who will wrap up his visit Saturday, also said he discussed with government officials about the possible contributions of the European Commission (EC) on the provision of peace-building support to Nepal.

"The European Commission has proven experience in areas such as election monitoring, promotion of human rights, post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation," Jouanjean said.

He said he also conveyed messages to the government in support of the ongoing transition to full-fledged multiparty democracy, the establishment of an effective democratic government and efforts aimed at bringing about lasting peace.

He expressed the European Commission's hope that all parties to the conflict will show clear commitment to lasting peace and make credible efforts to settle differences.

It is essential that both the government of Nepal and the guerrillas respect the cease-fire, Jouanjean said.

Source: Xinhua