Wednesday, March 16 2005 10:16 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Geneva: Nepal told the UN Human Rights Commission (UNHR) yesterday (Mar 15, 2005) the State of emergency it declared six weeks ago was temporary and being slowly relaxed just a day after 500 anti-monarchy protestors were rounded up there.

Nepalese Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey asked the human rights commission for understanding and for support from the international community saying his country was still committed to human rights.

King Gyanendra of Nepal took control of the country by firing the Government on February 1 and declaring a State of emergency in an effort to stifle maoist rebels, who have battled since 1996 to topple the monarchy in a struggle that has claimed 11,000 lives.

"The larger threat of terrorism on the enjoyment of human rights should not escape from your attention," Pandey explained.

"The effective implementation of our commitments depends on our ability to effectively put down the insurgency and restore peace and security in the country."

"Nepal has consistently called for and is committed to the negotiated solution to the insurgency based on patriotism and multiparty democracy, but the rebels have refused to come to the negotiating table," he added.

Several political parties are engaged in a programme of demonstrations against King Gyanendra's seizure of power.