Former King Gyanendra says peoplke could see a role for ousted monarchy

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 3 Dec: Former King Gyanendra says people may see a role for monarchy to reinforce national unity and democracy.
“It won’t be unnatural if people see a role somewhere for monarchy for the reinforcement of national unity and democracy,” he told Deb Prakash Tripahi, editor of Ghatana ra Bichar in an hour-long interview last week.
“It’s for the people to decide the what style of political system to adopt or not,” he added. “ Fundamentally, the nation’s identity should be maintained.
“The people are the final arbiters on the issue of the restoration of monarchy.”
“I want to live and die as a Nepali; but will a situation exist where can I die as a Nepal?” the former king asked.
“Right now I am an ordinary Nepali citizen. Now I don’t have any other desires. Let the county survive; it’s enough all are able to live as Nepalis,” he added.
“I believe only a democratic system is suitable for Nepal.”
The former king justified his 1 February 2005 royal takeover for ‘ peace and security and restoration of law and order’.
The last king of the Shah dynasty, who is the only monarch in the world to be crowned twice in exceptional circumstances, said he exited Narayanhiti on people’s wish.
“ I exited also understanding the desires of the Nepali people.
The former king dwelt on the country’s prevailing situation saying despondency and uncertainty prevail.
“I feel the present feeling of despondence and uncertainty won’t prevail if political parties work to gain the confidence of the people,” the former king said.
Gyanendra because king before his father and elder brother.
The former king dwelt on the role of foreigners and foreign countries in Nepal’s affairs.
“Only the people should have a role in making all
the county’s decisions. But no citizen of a country anywhere can tolerate unwanted interference in a country’s internal affairs.
“ And I feel Nepalis cannot tolerate it,” the ousted king said while appreciating foreign role in Nepal’s development.
No countries were named.
“No role has been specified. If my help is necessary, there’s no question of not helping,” the former king said in reply to a question if he could play a role in drafting a constitution.
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