Appointments made during Nepal King's rule invalidated

NEPAL: Political appointments made during King Gyanendra's autocratic rule have been invalidated and 12 ambassadors to Nepal's key allies have been withdrawn, a top official said.

The decision was made by the new Cabinet that was installed last week after the king yielded power on April 24 and restored democracy in the face of mass protests.

Home Minister Krishna Sitaula announced Sunday that the ambassadors to the United States, India, Japan, Britain, France and other countries were being recalled.

The government has said it will dismantle legislation, appointments, decrees and other actions taken after the king grabbed power in February 2005. It earlier scrapped municipal elections that were held three months ago.

Parliament also has committed to elections for a constituent assembly that will rewrite the constitution. That was a key demand by Maoist rebels who joined forces with a seven-party alliance to play a key role in the three weeks of often-bloody demonstrations. But while the rebels appear to be headed for a role in the political mainstream and have agreed to hold peace talks with the government, their impatience for quick action is mirroring the general public's sentiments.

A news report Sunday quoted the rebels' leader, Prachanda, as saying an interim constitution should be enacted immediately, even before the special assembly is elected.

"There should be an interim constitution and an interim government," Prachanda was quoted as saying by Nepal magazine.

The parties in the government and the rebels both agree there should be elections for a constituent assembly that would rewrite the constitution, but appear to have differences in how to do it.

The rebels want an interim constitution immediately, but the alliance is happy to just make minor changes in the existing charter until a new one is written by the constituent assembly.

Kathmandu, Monday, AP.