Kathmandu, Oct 15: Nepal's King Gyanendra asked the public today to cooperate with a newly-formed government which he appointed after sacking the Prime Minister, state-run radio said.

"I am sure the new government with the cooperation of the public will be able to fulfil its responsibilities," the King said in a message to the country on the last day of the Hindu festival "Dasain." "May the Goddess Durga bless and give strength to all the people of Nepal to unite to build the nation," he added.

On Friday the King appointed Lokendra Bahadur Chand, a former premier and staunch monarchist, as Prime Minister to head a nine-member cabinet until new elections are held.

Parliamentary polls had been due to begin in November but were suspended indefinitely on October 4 by Gyanendra who also dismissed Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, calling him "incompetent." The King ruled the country directly for a week and his action sparked unprecedented criticism of the constitutional monarch, who is revered by Nepalese traditionalists as an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu.

Deuba had said it would be impossible to hold the elections under current conditions created by the Maoist insurgency which has claimed over 5,000 lives since it was launched in 1996. Gyanendra said the new government's primary object was to maintain law and order in the country and hold the elections as soon as possible.

"Truth and justice will always prevail and this is the message which the festival Dasain gives to all of us," the king added.

Bureau Report