Nepalese rebels reject king's offer to reinstate parliament
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, April 25, IRNA
Nepal-Maoist-King's offer
The Nepalese king's offer to reinstate parliament was rejected by Maoist rebels Tuesday, saying it is a ploy to save his "autocratic monarchy."
They said they have planned a blockade of the capital and major centers.
Maoist leader Prachanda urged the people to continue their weeks of demonstrations and warned of violence against anyone who tried to repress the protesters, media reports said here.
"It's a new ploy to break the Nepali people and save his autocratic monarchy," said Maoist leader Prachanda in a statement issued in Kathmandu.
The Maoists drew up a 12-point agreement late last year with the seven opposition parties which King Gyanendra sidelined when he seized power in February 2005.
But the alliance was split after political parties welcomed the offer by the king to re-open parliament on Friday and place power back in the hands of the opposition.
The Maoists said the "so-called king's address" had failed to address their key demand for a republic and elections to a constituent assembly that could water down the monarch's sweeping powers during national emergencies.
"We want to make it clear for the seven-party alliance, those parties who have welcomed and supported the king's address have broken the 12-point understanding and have breached the aspirations of the Nepali people," said Prachanda.
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