In a Retreat, Nepal's King Says He Will Reinstate Parliament

[brooklynite]

KATMANDU, Nepal, April 24 — King Gyanendra appeared on television late Monday to concede to the demands of Nepal's pro-democracy demonstrators and turn the government over to the elected Parliament that was dissolved four years ago.

His offer came on the eve of what were billed as the largest demonstrations to date. The political parties that began the protests 19 days ago had been preparing to encircle the city center on Tuesday. Instead, celebrations broke out late Monday night on the streets of the capital, Katmandu.

"We are confident this house will contribute to the overall welfare of Nepal and the Nepali people," the king, looking ashen, told the nation in an address broadcast on state-owned television. "We are confident that the nation will forge ahead toward sustainable peace, progress, full-fledged democracy and national unity."

For the first time, the king acknowledged the protests that have prompted hordes of Nepalese to defy shoot-on-sight curfew orders and have brought the capital to a virtual standstill. At least 13 people have been killed by police officers and soldiers since the demonstrations began. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost their lives to the people's movement," the king said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/25/world/asia/25nepal.html?hp&ex=1145937600&en=6ebbe1534cab0288&ei=5094&partner=homepage
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And it didn't even require a US invasion...

[Theduckno2]

1. Very encouraging, though they have a way to go yet.

I should think that we would do well to remember what that 44 year old man reportedly said, when we are faced with the neighbor/co-worker that was just too "busy" to vote.

Having seen "V for Vendetta" it is not hard imagine V nodding his approval at these events. :applause:

[struggle4progress]

2. Nepalis dance on streets, cheer “people's victory"

Nepalis cheered, danced and hugged each other on the streets Tuesday morning after King Gyanendra announced he was giving in to massive pro-democracy protests and reinstating the kingdom's dissolved parliament.

Political parties leading nearly three weeks of protests that have crippled the impoverished kingdom hailed the proclamation and said they would most likely call off the anti-monarchy campaign later in the day.

"This victory is the people's victory, long live democracy," hundreds chanted on the streets of the capital Kathmandu and in other towns, whistling and cheering. <snip>

http://www.thanhniennews.com/worlds/?catid=9&newsid=14831