Sunday, April 16 2006 10:45 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Virtually making it clear that the recent announcement on elections by King Gyanendra was not enough, India today asked the Royal Government to invite and involve all major political parties in a dialogue process aimed at restoration of democracy.

"The recent developments in Nepal are a matter of serious concern," Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma told sources.

"There is a situation where pro-democracy demonstrations have been met with suppression and excessive use of force which has further aggravated the situation and undermines the process of healing and reconciliation which is the only way to resolve the current impasse," he said.

The King, who seized power 14 months ago by dismissing an elected government, said on Thursday last "It is our desire that with the active participation of all political parties committed to peace and democracy, a meaningful exercise in multi-party democracy be initiated through an exemplary democratic exercise like the general elections." Sharma said there is a real need for revitalisation of democratic institutions and restoration of democratic process that has to be inclusive and participative.

"Therefore, it is imperative that all major political parties are invited and involved in a dialogue process aimed at resolving the current impasse," he said.

Advocating a peaceful resolution of the current stalemate, the Minister, in an apparent reference to Maoist violence, said India was against use of force.

Echoing similar views, the US last night said the King should act immediately to restore democracy in Nepal and engage political parties 'in an open and frank' talks.