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US asks Nepal King to assume ceremonial role http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1502854.cms
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
PTI
WASHINGTON: Hours after King Gyanendra announced that he was reviving the country's dissolved Parliament, the US urged the Nepal monarch to step aside and take on a more ceremonial role in the kingdom's governance.
"The US salutes the people of Nepal's courage and resilience in their struggle for democracy. The King's speech in Kathmandu calls for reinstatement of parliament. We believe that he should now hand power over to the parties and assume a ceremonial role in his country's governance," the US State Department said on Monday night.
In a statement, Deputy Spokesman Adam Ereli urged Nepal's political parties to step up to their responsibilities and cooperate "to turn people's demands for democracy and good governance into reality".
Ereli said that before peace and democracy can be restored in Nepal, the Maoists must "end their violent attacks and join a peaceful, political process".
"We regret the loss of life and injuries that occurred in the recent demonstrations and call upon Nepal's security forces to show the utmost restraint in responding, should any further demonstrations occur," he said.
Asked why it was that the Bush administration was responding in this fashion, Ereli said that the "status quo was untenable".
"It's important that the democratic process be restored and that you move from autocratic one-man rule to rule by elected representatives of the people," he said.
"The King's turning power over to the political parties as consistent with the constitution is the best way to address that (Maoist) insurgency," he said.
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