Opposition leaders in Nepal continue to demand democratic change from 58-year-old King Gyanendra (pictured) . Thousands of people defied a curfew in the capital Kathmandu yesterday to once again take to the streets, demanding the resumption of parliament, the convening of a constitutional assembly, a new fundamental law limiting the power of the monarch and the start of negotiations with Maoist rebels. More than 100 thousand people took part in Saturday's demonstrations. They engaged in fierce battles with the police, who used rubber bullets and tear gas. About 150 people were injured. The opposition promised that it would independently resume the activities of parliament and create a parallel government “if King Gyanendra does not listen to the voice of the people.” On Friday, the monarch addressed the citizens of the country with a radio address, inviting the seven-party opposition to name their candidate for the post of head of the new government (since February 2005, the king himself exercises full executive power). Opposition leaders called Gyanendra's proposal "meaningless and inappropriate".
