This arrived today from friends in Nepal:
"Yesterday, after demonstration of more than 200000 people in Kathmandu, more than two million people all over Nepal, and pressures from foreign countries (India and USA), the king, Gyanendra made announcement that he was ready to accept Prime Minister nominated by the Seven Parties. But it was already late, people felt it was not enough, they wanted democracy without king or king with no power. They were not ready to trust king, his cronies, and army. Right after the announcement, people came out in the street and warned the political parties not to give in without election for the constituent assembly and full democracy.
This morning all the parties had their own meetings and also a combined meeting of seven parties which decided that king has not changed and there is not a real change towards democracy so they decided not to accept the king's lollipop and to continue non-violent action. At the same time; people started coming out on the street against the king's announcement. People came out from all over. All together, there may have been more than 300000 people congregated and they were trying to go to the main centre. However, the army and police fired on them and threw tear gas without warning. Hundreds of people are again injured. There is also rumour of some death and bodies being taken by the army. The helicopter is flying over our head. People are still on the street.
India, USA, EU, Canada, UK, UN have taken the king's announcement positively without considering people's grievances against the king and royal family in Nepal. They are afraid of communist take over which I do not think is possible. People are fed up with lies and show off of the royal drama. I think the agitation will continue and there will be more death and repression because of premature support from foreign government to the king. Hope you will understand our situation and try to do something. Thank you very much."
