Ex-king pledges to work for Nepal's progress

Kathmandu, June 11 (UNI) Nepal's former king Gyanendra Shah today pledged to cooperate for ''peace, progress and independence'' of the country and said he will leave the Narayanhity Royal Palace honouring people's verdict and will not go in exile.

The ex-king greeted Journalists in his evergreen smile and said, ''I have handed over the crown and sceptre to the Nepal government and I haven't misused any national propery during my tenure.'' He used his maximum time in briefing the contribution of his dynasty.

This is the first time Gyanendra has given interview to Nepali media after the April revolution of 2006.

In his press conference after he was sacked by the Nepali parliament on May 28, Gyanendra refuted charges against him and his family about the Royal Massacre of 2001 and claims of hiding assets in foreign countries.

''I lost my dear brother and my dear ones in the incident and I am shocked by the charges put on against me and my family,'' he said, adding that his wife Komal has bullet inside her body.

The deposed king is shifting to Najarguna palace, his new residence, from Narayanhiti this evening.

UNI XC SLD RN1935