King should have ceremonial role: PM Koirala

June 14, 2006
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At a time when most political forces are moving towards a democratic republican set up in the country through election of the constituent assembly, Prime Minister and President of the Nepali Congress, Girija Prasad Koirala has said that the king should be given a ceremonial role.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala
(File photo)

Addressing party cadres at his residence in Biratnagar on Wednesday morning, PM Koirala said that the Nepali Congress was moving ahead on the agenda of making the king ceremonial.

He said that the parliament has made announcements to curtail royal privileges to give the monarch a ceremonial role.

Saying that all (forces) needed to be given some space in the transition phase, Koirala said if all sides are not given some room in democracy, it leads to disappointment and unpleasant incidents.

Koirala also said the talks between the government and the Maoists will move forward after he returns to Kathmandu.

He further said that the government might ask the UN to provide food to the Maoist army if the Maoists provide information about the number, position and state of their army, according to radio reports.

Expressing commitment to give space to the Maoists in the democratic mainstream, Koirala said that his party would put forth its stand on the agenda of constituent assembly and federal governance system on the negotiating table itself.

Koirala arrived in Biratnagar on Tuesday to take rest. This is his first visit to his hometown after the success of the popular movement of the country that made him the prime minister.