Kathmandu, June 6: Immediate neighbours, India and China, have called for peace and stability in the Himalayan kingdom in messages to King Gyanendra as uncertainty prevails after a carnage at the royal palace Friday that killed or injured 14 members of the royal family and close relatives. Indian President in a condolence message said: As you assume the leadership of the Kingdom of Nepal in these sad circumstances, I would like to express the solidarity of India as a close friend of Nepal, in your efforts to put behind this national tragedy and to lead the people of Nepal in their continuing endeavours for socio-economic development.
“Premier Zhu Rongji has gone to the Nepalese embassy in China to pay condolences and has also asked the embassy to convey the greetings of the Chinese leader to the new King Gyanendra. We sincerely hope that the kingdom of Nepal will maintain economic and social stability and enjoy the enhanced living standards of its people,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuai said. All national parties have also extended support to Nepal’s 12th king of the Shah dynasty.
An emergency meeting of the central committee of the ruling Nepali Congress party Tuesday expressed its “deep appreciation and confidence in the firm belief and commitment expressed by His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev in multi-party democracy and constitutional monarchy in the first proclamation yesterday.”UML main opposition in parliament said: “The party extends heartiest good wishes to HM King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev on this important occasion. His Majesty has to shoulder an important responsibility as a constitutional monarch and head of state under the present grave circumstances. “Our party believes that during your reign Nepal and Nepali nationalism will be protected and promoted; constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy will be safeguarded and enhanced and all Nepalis will move ahead to further progress and prosperity.”
The third largest party in parliament, the RPP, also extended support and best wishes to King Gyanendra Tuesday. “The Nepalese people are confident that His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev will provide continuity to the contributions made by His Late Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev to nationalism, democracy and overall development of the country as well as the ideals, norms and values established by His Late Majesty. “His Majesty will make significant contributions to independence, nationalism, national unity and territorial integrity and developing a special identity of Nepal in the international arena. Furthe improvements will be made during His Majesty’s reign in the great campaign of building a dynamic and prosperous Nepal through the medium of the constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990 through the joint efforts of the King and people.” Nepal Sadvabana party and the Nepal Communist party (Marxist Leninist) have also extended their support to the new King.