US ambassador advises supended King Gyanendra to abdicate

Kathmandu, July 13 (UNI) US Ambassador to Nepal James F Moriarty has suggested suspended King Gyanendra to abdicate the throne.

''Though the fate of monarchy hinges on the Constituent Assembly elections, it was already late for the king to abdicate,'' local media quoted Moriarty as saying.

Mr Moriarty was speaking at a press conference before leaving for the US on completion of his three year term in Nepal.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, some months ago, had advised the king and his son Paras to abdicate due to their ''bad image''.

Mr Koirala was criticised by political parties, civil society and the Maoists for his remarks.

Later Mr Koirala corrected his statement saying that he was not in favour of monarchy and the election will decide the fate of monarchy in the Himalayan nation which has ruled over 238 years.

Diplomats, political parties, ministers, army, police and government officials had boycotted the birth day party of Gyanendra held on the occasion of his 61st birth day last week.

UNI