Nepal King gives in; returns sovereignty to people

Kathmandu, Apr 21: In a major climbdown, Nepal King Gyanendra today announced ''return'' of sovereignty to the people, asking the seven political parties to recommend the name of prime minister.

The announcement followed 16 days of crippling protests by the people for complete restoration of democracy which had left 12 protestors dead and scores others injured, amid mounting international pressure for the king to give in to the general demand.

Addressing the nation through state run radio and Television, King Gyanendra said that he has urged the leaders of the seven parties to recommend the name of prime minister.

He said that he has returned the sovereignty to the people in accordance with the constitution of the Kingdom.

The King defended his action and thanked to the security forces and the government employees for their cooperation during his direct rule since February 1, 2005.

He said that the present government will continue until the new government is formed.

Meanwhile, the address of the King does not seem to fulfill the demand of the major political parties which are saying that the revival of the House and the election to the constituent assembly are the bottomline of their demands from which the dialogue with the king can be initiated.

The King's address has come at a time when the entire country is wintnessing huge demonstrations.

Tens of thousands of people have been pouring into the streets of Kathmandu defying the curfew chanting anti King slogans.

Editor of the Himal Kanak Mani Dixit said that the King's address does not fulfill the demand of the people and it is completely 'unsufficient'.

The demonstrators are saying that the leaders should not hold talks with the King and make any compromise.

The government has extended the curfew time by four hours until midnight today.

UNI