King Reinstates Parliament

Nepal's embattled King Gyanendra has agreed to reinstate Parliament, in an effort to end weeks of unrest by opponents to his absolute rule.
The move is aimed at "protecting multiparty democracy and restoring peace," he said in a televised address.

The lower house will convene on Friday, he added. A wave of protests has left at least 14 people dead since 6 April.

The king assumed direct powers in February 2005, saying parties were unable to deal with Maoist rebels.

On Monday thousands demonstrators defied a shoot-on-sight curfew in the capital Kathmandu, ahead of another major rally already planned for Tuesday.

Full text of the royal proclamation

Proclamation to the Nation from His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev

(24 April 2006)

Beloved Countrymen,
Convinced that the source of State Authority and Sovereignty of the Kingdom of Nepal is inherent in the people of Nepal and cognizant of the spirit of the ongoing people's movement as well as to resolve the on-going violent conflict and other problems facing the country according to the road map of the agitating Seven Party Alliance, we, through this Proclamation, reinstate the House of Representatives which was dissolved on 22 May 2002 on the advice of the then Prime Minister in accordance with the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal-1990. We call upon the Seven Party Alliance to bear the responsibility of taking the nation on the path to national unity and prosperity, while ensuring permanent peace and safeguarding multiparty democracy. We also summon the session of the reinstated House of Representatives at the Sansad Bhawan, Singha Durbar at 1 P.M. on Friday, 28 April 2006.

We are confident that this House will contribute to the overall welfare of Nepal and the Nepalese people.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost their lives in the people's movement and wish the injured speedy recovery. We are confident that the nation will forge ahead towards sustainable peace, progress, full-fledged democracy and national unity.

May Lord Pashupatinath bless us all!

Jaya Nepal!