Kathmandu: Nepal's King Gyanendra today (June 2, 2004) reappointed as Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, whose firing two years ago thrust the Himalayan nation into political turmoil and sparked a series of protests by mainstream parties.

Deuba would be "invested with Executive Rights" unlike the previous royal-appointed Prime Minister who could not make appointments without the approval of the King, a Royal Palace notification said.

62 year-old Deuba has been appointed to the post for the third time.

King Gyanendra dismissed him from the high chair on October 4, 2002 who described him as "incompetent" when he recommended the King to postpone the date for the general election due to the Maoist threats.

The notice further said that the King has asked Deuba to recommend the council of ministers for initiating the process of holding general election by April 2005 and restore peace in the country.