Thursday, April 20 2006 17:02 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: India today (Apr 20, 2006) told King Gyanendra that there is need for 'genuine' dialogue between Constitutional forces in Nepal for urgent restoration of multi-party democracy as the current situation was a matter of 'deep concern'.

As hundreds of pro-democracy protesters defied the curfew and took to streets, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Special Envoy Karan Singh met the King at the Narayanhity Palace and made certain suggestions for resolution of the political crisis offering all assistance.

"We have made certain suggestions and the ball is in his (the King's) court," Karan Singh, who was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran, told reporters after the meeting lasting about two hours.

The meeting came against the backdrop of deteriorating political and economic situation in the wake of surging pro-democracy movement and India's efforts to see that a dialogue was initiated with political parties.

A statement issued by the Indian embassy said they discussed the need for 'genuine dialogue' between the Constitutional forces in Nepal with the objective of urgently restoring multi-party democracy in the country in order to overcome the crisis that Nepal is faced with.

Karan Singh conveyed to the King India's readiness to support all efforts towards restoration of multi-party democracy.

He emphasised that a lasting solution to the problems of Nepal has to be found by the people of the country through a peaceful political process.

The statement said the current political developments in Nepal were a cause of 'deep concern to India and other members of the international community.

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, the Nepalese TV said, adding that issues of bilateral interest were also discussed.

Singh also had a meeting with former Nepalese Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa today.

The envoy yesterday held talks with former Prime Ministers Girija Prasad Koirala and Sher Bahadur Deuba.

The Royal Government has imposed an 18-hour curfew in the capital from 2 am this morning and issued shoot-at-sight orders to prevent a mass rally, marking the start of the third week of a general strike called by opposition parties to force the King to restore democracy.