Kathmandu, April 24:

Former diplomats are inferring that the friendly countries, which have reacted to King Gyanendra’s recent proclamation in which he has promised to return executive power to the people, are not supporting his proclamation but only suggesting to him not to be stubborn.

“Foreigners have expressed their concern, not supported the King’s message,” said several foreign affairs experts. Former envoy Lok Raj Baral said: “Friendly countries have only advised the King to stop being stubborn. They have not supported his proclamation.”

He said that some foreign countries have not yet understood the ground reality in Nepal, adding, “The political leaders should remain united and fight for an inclusive democracy, a demand of the people participating in the stir.”

Former minister Sailendra Kumar Upadhaya said the people’s movement was giving a “historical message” and that the problems should be addressed through a Constituent Assembly. “Foreigners are not the decisive factor, it is the Nepali people who will decide the future of the country,” he said while speaking at the Reporters’ Club. Pointing out that the royal message did not address the people’s demands, Upadhaya called for another royal address immediately.

A former SAARC Secretary General, Yadav Kant Silwal said that the friendly countries should be made aware of the reality in Nepal.

Another former diplomat Rajeshwor Acharya said: “The movement has also given the message to the Maoists that they had better lay down arms and enter mainstream politics.”

UML leader Jhala Nath Khanal said: “If this situation continues, we will be compelled to restore the House, form a government and run the Constituent Assembly from the street.”