Nepal's PM calls for peace

Sunday, 30, Apr 2006 03:01

Nepal's new prime minister has invited Maoist rebels to peace talks in a bid to end weeks of violence.

Girija Prasad Koirala was speaking in parliament just days after King Gyanendra agreed to step down and return power to political parties.

"I urge the Maoists, who have announced a three-month ceasefire, to stop violence now and come for talks immediately," said Mr Koirala.

"The establishment of peace and democracy is the national aspiration."

Mr Koirala, 84, was named as prime minister last week by an alliance of seven political parties who are opposed to direct royal rule.

He is a veteran official who has been involved in politics since the 1940s. It is the fourth time he has served as leader of the government.

Thousands of people have taken part in mass protests over the past few weeks to campaign against the king's 14-month rule.

"The Nepalese people have achieved new fame in their history through their popular protests," Mr Koirala said.

Kunda Dixit, editor of the Nepali Times, warned that the prime minister should not let the king interfere in politics.

"One of the first things parliament should do is to clip the king's wings," he said.