Koirala visualises possible union of political parties

Kathmandu, Apr 15 (UNI) Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala said he visualises a clear possibility of unity between democratic and republican forces in the country to end the autocratic rule of King Gyanendra.

''With that unity taking place between these forces, monarchy will be finished,'' The Kathmandu Post quoted the veteran politician.

''What would happen after that (unity) is for the King to understand. I now see a clear possibility of unity of the two forces,'' Mr Koirala said.

Koirala was referring to the unity of seven parties and the Maoists, who are demanding the end of monarchy since 1996. Now the end of monarchy and republic system has become the popular slogans among the political parties, professional organisations and civil society.

''We (alliance of seven parties) had called everyone, including the Maoists, to participate in the movement. Can't Maoists participate in the movement without carrying arms? They can and they have been participating,'' he said.

''Maoists have the right to peacefully participate in the movement,'' Mr Koirala said replying to a question about the suppression of peaceful demonstration on the pretext of Maoists infiltration.

Mr Koirala said the names of those who have violated human rights, including security personnel and ministers would be noted and a commission formed by a democratic government would not spare them.

He also appealed to security forces not to use force and to stop being servants of a single person. ''If they lose their jobs, a democratic government will reinstate them,'' Mr Koirala said.

''The constituent assembly elections through restoration of parliament is the road map of seven parties,'' he said.

When prodded on whether the restoration of parliament would placate angry demonstrators around the country, Mr Koirala hoped leadership would guide the masses in the right direction.

''I may not remain tomorrow (to see that), but I believe this (SPA's roadmap) is correct,'' he said.

''Unlike in the past, there is massive participation of people from all sections of society in the ongoing movement due to people's disappointment with the King,'' he added.

Regarding the downsizing of US Embassy staff and the closure of its visa section, Mr Koirala said this has been done to pressurise on the King.

''Nobody is able to go to America, not even government officials,'' he said.

The seven parties have rejected the offer outright of dialogue conveyed by King Gyanendra on his New Year message yesterday saying that there is no possibility unless he gives autocratic rule.

''The movement for democracy has moved ahead too far now. There is no stopping it till the King gives back people's rights,'' Mr Koirala said.

He said the King's New Year's message has nothing new in it except for a rearrangement of words.

UNI XC SC KP1522