Protest in Kathmandu against King's statement

Kathmandu, Feb 19 (UNI) Eight major political parties, including the Maoists, have taken out protest rallies across the country including Kathmandu against King Gyanendra's statement today.

Maoists and other political parties shouting anti-King slogans took out rallies in Kathmandu this afternoon. They also demanded immediate declaration of republic in the Country.

According to a local radio, protest rallies were taken out in other districts also.

In his message to the nation on the 57th Democracy Day today, the King said he was compelled to take the February 1, 2005 step to reactivate elected bodies by maintaining law and order.

The major parties involved in the government flayed the statement, stating that the very act of delivering an address by someone who has been given no space in the interim constitution was ''not only constitutionally unauthorised, but also inappropriate.'' Meanwhile, unlike the previous years, the King didn't attended the Democracy day function at Tundikhel.

UNI