Kathmandu: Nepal King Gyanendra is likely to announce a Prime Minister on October 11, after having separate meetings with leaders of six political parties of the dissolved House of Representatives.

The King is likely to announce the new Prime Minister and Cabinet members after three hours of separate consultations, which will be over by noon.

National Congress president G P Koirala, Rastriya Prajatantra Party president Surya Bahadur Thapa, CPN (UML) general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, Nepal Sadbhavana Party president Badri Prasad Mandal, Janamorcha Nepal chairman Amik Serchan and president of Nepal Workers and Peasants Party Naraynman Bijukchhe are having separate deliberations with the King.

Earlier in the morning the party leaders had a joint meeting at Koirala's Maharajgunj residence, and agreed to present common views during their discussions with the King, Nepali Congress spokesman Arjun Narsingh K C said.

The parties have agreed to ask the King to choose a Prime Minister from within the six parties representing the dissolved House of Representatives, he said.

The King's decision to meet the leaders followed hectic deliberations by Western diplomats in Kathmandu, who have stressed the need to patch up differences between the King and political parties to forge unity against the Maoist threats.

Former Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa headed towards the Royal Palace at 09:00 hours for his audience with the King, and will be followed by NC president Koirala.

PTI