India welcomes Nepal King's 'intention' to hand over exec. power

New Delhi, Apr 21 (UNI) India tonight welcomed Nepal King Gyanendra's ''intention'' to transfer all executive power to the seven-party alliance saying the action should now pave way for restoration of political stability and economic recovery in the country.

External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said at a hurriedly-called media briefing that India hoped that the aspirations of the people of Nepal could now be addressed by enabling them to enjoy their rights through a democratic electoral exercise free from threat of violence.

He said India now stood ready to render all possible assistance to enable Nepal to achieve political stability and economic recovery at the earliest.

Earlier in a major climbdown, King Gyanendra announced ''return'' of sovereignty to the people and asked the seven political parties to recommend the name of the Prime Minister.

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