Nepal monarch holding discussions with aides before likely exit

Kathmandu, May 28 (UNI) Only hours before the first Constituent Assembly meeting is expected to declare Nepal a republic, the soon-to-be-deposed King Gyanendra is reportedly holding consultation with his close aides and supporters inside the Narayanhiti royal palace.

Reports quoting palace sources said that the King who has acquired a name tag of the Last Shah King, who would soon be stripped off his title and become a common citizen of Nepal answerable to the country's law, is holding discussions since last afternoon with officials of Palace secretariat, former Panchas, ministers during the erstwhile royal regime and those close to the palace on his future moves and options as Nepal turns the page on the 239 years of history of monarchy in the country.

Crown Prince Paras, whose playboy image also said to have contributed much to the fall of monarchy, including some members of the royal family are also actively participating in the intense discussion, it is learnt.

After consultations King Gyanendra is expected to issue a message in the name of the countrymen in which he is said will try to defend his past actions, explaining that he had not staged the royal coup of February 1 with any bad intentions.

The former Royal Nepal Army has also dispatched a special commando force for the security of the palace.

UNI XC SZ RN1428