UN chief hopeful on Nepal situation

United Nations, Apr 22 : United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has welcomed the proclamation issued by King Gyanendra of Nepal affirming that executive power will be returned to the people of the strife-torn country.

A UN spokesman yesterday said, Mr Annan hoped that the development ''will result in the speedy restoration of democratic order, an end to the conflict and the establishment of lasting peace through an inclusive process of dialogue''.

In a statement released in New York, the spokesman also stressed that the parties must ''work out the modalities for the transfer of power in a timely, orderly and responsible manner.'' UN human rights monitors have condemned deadly police force against unarmed pro-democracy demonstrators in Nepal, reporting over a dozen gunshot injuries on Thursday alone.

Humanitarian officials from the world body have warned that the situation among the impoverished people of the kingdom is critical.

UN relief agencies are providing aid to vulnerable groups such as refugees and children.

UNI

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