From: "Stasi" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Wednesday, 5 September, 2001, 09:10 GMT 10:10 UK http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/south_asia/newsid_1526000/1526464.stm King backs democratic Nepal ==================== Nepal's royals will support democracy By Sushil Sharma in Kathmandu Nepal's King Gyanendra has reiterated that he is committed to function within the boundaries of a constitutional monarchy. There had been speculation that King Gyanendra was planning to take back the powers his predecessor was forced to give up more than a decade ago following a pro-democracy movement. His remarks are believed to have been aimed at dismissing such speculation. In a rare press interview, King Gyanendra, who ascended the throne three months ago, ruled out moves to dismantle multi-party democracy. He told the Nepali language newspaper, Rastrabani, that he was determined to follow the present constitution that guarantees both constitutional monarchy and multi-party parliamentary democracy. Palace massacre Gyanendra became king last June after his elder brother, King Birendra, and several royal family members were killed in a palace massacre, blamed on crown prince Dipendra, who reportedly shot himself later. King Birendra was praised for his liberal image The slain king was widely praised for his liberal image and commitment to democracy. King Gyanendra had pledged to follow the footsteps of his elder brother. Despite that, there had been speculation that he was not happy with the existing democratic system which was established after a pro-democracy movement 11 years ago. Increasing frustration of the people over the failure of the elected governments to deliver has further fuelled such speculation. But in reply to a question, King Gyanendra said that he was fully committed to democracy. Maoist rebellion Instead, analysts say, Nepal's young democracy faces immediate threats from Maoist rebels waging an armed struggle to establish a communist republic in the world's sole Hindu kingdom. Maoist rebels are said to pose a greater threat Some 1,800 people have died since the insurgency was launched nearly six years ago. Last week the rebels, for the first time ever, began formal peace talks with the government. Both sides described the talks as positive and cordial, but there has been some concern ahead of the second round which is due in a week's time. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Tuesday accused the rebels of not being sincere enough in seeking a negotiated settlement of the long-running insurgency. The rebels have not responded to the allegations yet. But if the dialogue fails violence could flare up across the country, seriously jeopardising the Himalayan kingdom's young democracy. _________________________________________________ KOMINFORM P.O. Box 66 00841 Helsinki Phone +358-40-7177941 Fax +358-9-7591081 http://www.kominf.pp.fi General class struggle news: [EMAIL PROTECTED] subscribe mails to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Geopolitical news: [EMAIL PROTECTED] subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] __________________________________________________
