Koirala assumes charge, to attend Parliament later

Kathmandu, Apr 30 (UNI) Hours before the second session of Parliament convenes, Nepalese Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, who was sworn in this morning, reached his Singh Darbar office and took charge.

Before administering the oath of office and secrecy to Mr Koirala, King Gyanendra was seen asking him about his health.

Mr Koirala was administered the oath of office and secrecy by King Gyanendra a little after 1000 hrs (local time) at the Narayanhity Palace.

The resolution calling for formation of a constituent assembly and ceasfefire with Maoists, which was introduced on April 28, will be put to discussion later today when the Parliament session begins at 1600 hrs, local time today.

Meetings of legislative parties of various political outfits were held ahead of Parliament session.

The swearing in ceremony of Mr Koirala, which lasted for only 10 minutes, was attended by Crown Prince Paras, Raj Parishad Chairman Parashu Narayan Chaudhury and Army Chief Lt Gen Pyar Jang Thapa and others.

Mr Koirala's personal physician Dr Madhu Ghimire was also present during the swearing-in ceremony.

The octogenarian leader was to be sworn in by King Gyanendra on April 28 but the oath ceremonuy had to be rescheduled twice due to his ill health.

UNI VD AK KP1630