Nepal wins, King hands over the nation’s keys

Giving in to a key demand of pro-democracy protesters and backing off from a confrontation that had brought the kingdom to a standstill, Nepal’s King Gyanendra tonight announced the reinstatement of the dissolved parliament.

Giving in to a key demand of pro-democracy protesters and backing off from a confrontation that had brought the kingdom to a standstill, Nepal’s King Gyanendra tonight announced the reinstatement of the dissolved parliament.

“We, through this proclamation, reinstate the House of Representatives which was dissolved on May 22, 2002,” Gyanendra said on national television. He has convened parliament on Friday.

The seven-party political alliance, which spearheaded the movement for democracy, was quick to welcome the King’s move and said protests across the country were likely to be called off.

“It is the victory of the people’s movement,” said Arjun Narsingh KC, a senior leader of the Nepali Congress, after the King’s announcement. He said the alliance would respond formally to the King’s proclamation tomorrow and was likely to postpone a major rally planned for the day in Kathmandu.

The general strike called by the alliance to press for the restoration of democracy has so far claimed at least 14 lives, leaving an estimated 5,000 injured and many missing after a string of clashes with security personnel.

Earlier today, with the protests on the streets getting shriller, Gyanendra, who seized absolute powers 14 months ago, indicated he was ready to reinstate the dissolved House of Representatives as a prelude to formation of an all-party government accountable to parliament.

The King gave indications to this effect to Indian Ambassador Shiv Shankar Mukherjee who met him last night—this was their fourth meeting in a week—and to US Ambassador James F Moriarty today. Both envoys have been the unofficial channel of communication between the King and the political parties.

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The Supreme Court Chief Justice was also consulted by the King to ensure that the revival of the House was given an honourable endorsement.

Nepali Congress spokesperson Krishna Sitaula said: “Soon after the revival, the House will form an all-party government which will simultaneously pledge to hold elections to the constituent assembly and call upon the Maoists to join the political mainstream”.

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• In effect, this means that India’s treaty with Nepal in 1950 should be abrogated.

• Said CPM’s Sitaram Yechury: “Agreements with Nepal could need a fresh look. But first we need to move towards the establishment of multiparty democracy.”

• An Indian Airlines aircraft was kept on standby, preparations made to obtain permission for night-landing in Kathmandu.