Nepal king celebrates a year in power
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, Feb 1, IRNA
Nepal-King-Celebration
Despite the 'black day' call given by the opposition on February 1, King Gyanendra on Wednesday celebrated a year in power and promised to hold municipal polls.
Vowing to go ahead with the municipal polls scheduled for February 8, dubbed as a 'farce' by the opposition parties, the monarch said, "Constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy have already started and people are actively participating in the election." In a televised address to the nation, he promised that 'free and fair elections will be conducted....the elections are the only means to guarantee people's rights to consolidate democracy'.
He said Nepal was for friendly relations with all countries, including India and China, adding the country wants to benefit from the two giants as a transit point between them, media report said here.
He also urged Maoists to join the mainstream by participating in the elections, claiming that 'terrorist activities have narrowed down to just a few sporadic criminal activities'.
He also defended the upcoming Municipal elections despite a boycott called by the opposition and threats of disruption by the rebels.
The monarch said that the new parliamentary elections would be held by 2007.
Parliament was dissolved in 2002. "Within three years of my rule all the elected bodies, including local government and the Parliament will be made representative," he claimed.
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