Kathmandu: Lokendra Bahadur Chand was on October 11 sworn in as the Prime Minister of Nepal by King Gyanendra.

After assuming office, the new Premier said his government would give top priority to establishing peace and order in the country and holding the general elections as soon as possible in a free and fair manner, the state television reported.

Chand, 62, indicated expansion of the present nine-member ministry saying people from the different political parties will be included in the ministry.

"I will seek co-operation from all the political parties," the leader of the pro- monarchy Rashtriya Prajatantrik Party said, stressing there must be unity among all parties in order to resolve the present crisis.

He also attended office at the Singhdurbar Secretariat following the oath- taking ceremony at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace.

He has called the first Cabinet meeting on October 11.

Interestingly, Chand has become Premier of the Himalayan kingdom on four occasions in a period of six years.

Considered soft-spoken, Chand is a man of letters. He has written over a dozen books and enjoys an image of a clean politician.

PTI