Foreign policy experts and former ambassadors have said that the friendly countries, which have reacted to King Gyanendra’s recent proclamation in which he has promised to return executive power to the people, are not supporting his proclamation but only expressing concern over it.

They said that foreigners have expressed their concern, not supported the King’s message.

Speaking at an interaction on Sunday, former envoy Lok Raj Baral said, “Friendly countries have only advised the King to stop being stubborn. They have not supported his proclamation.”

He said that some foreign countries have not yet understood the ground reality in Nepal, adding, “The political leaders should remain united and fight for an inclusive democracy, a demand of the people participating in the stir.”

Former minister Sailendra Kumar Upadhaya said the people’s movement was giving a “historical message” and that the problems should be addressed through a Constituent Assembly.

Former Secretary General, of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Yadav Kant Silwal said that the friendly countries should be made aware of the reality in Nepal.

Another former diplomat Rajeshwor Acharya said: “The movement has also given the message to the Maoists that they had better lay down arms and enter mainstream politics.”

UML leader Jhala Nath Khanal said: “If this situation continues, we will be compelled to restore the House, form a government and run the Constituent Assembly from the street.”

Earlier, the international communities including the UN, USA, EU, Canada, India and China have taken King Gyanendra’s address in a positive note and have welcomed it. nepalnews.com pb Apr 24 06