Saturday, April 22 2006 11:49 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has expressed the hope that Nepal King Gyanendra's announcement of handing over power to people would result in speedy restoration of democratic order, an end to conflict and establishment of lasting peace through an inclusive process of dialogue in the country.

Besides, he stressed that the parties must work out the modalities for the transfer of power in a timely, orderly and responsible manner, according to a statement issued by his spokesman last night.

Meanwhile, UN human rights monitors have condemned the excessive use of force by police against unarmed pro-democracy demonstrators in Nepal, reporting over a dozen gunshot injuries on Thursday alone.