Tuesday, February 21 2006 12:23 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Nepal's seven-party pro-democracy alliance has dismissed King Gyanendra's appeal for reconciliation as an attempt to 'hoodwink' the international community and 'consolidate' his authoritarian rule.

"The King's call is vague and is an attempt to legitimise his autocratic rule," Nepal Communist Party-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, who in under house arrest, said.

Nepal said the King was silent on the 12 point understanding reached between the seven party alliance and the Maoists for restoring peace and democracy.

"The King is still not ready to quit power," he told Kathmandu Post and added that political parties won't accept such a 'meaningless call'.

Nepal also asserted that the joint agitation by the parties would continue until the King accepts rule of the people.

Nepali Congress (Democratic) general secretary Prakash Man Singh said the dialogue offer was meant for only those who are 'willing' to follow the road map of the King.

"It will in no way attract any political parties fighting for democracy," he said.

"The call for dialogue is addressed only to the parties loyal to the palace and supporters of the autocratic rule," Nepali Congress spokesman Krishna Prasad Sitaula said.

"It is not aimed at people's representatives committed to the nation and democracy," he pointed out.

"The lollypop cannot attract the parties and civil society at all. There won't be negotiation with the King until there is an environment for the people to decide their future on their own," Nepal Sadbhavana Party (A) Vice President Bharat Bimal Yadav said.

"Accepting the King's offer will be suicidal for the parties," he said.