Global Pressure Mounts on Nepal's King Monday February 14, 2005 8:46 PM AP Photo XGO101 By BINAJ GURUBACHARYA Associated Press Writer KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) - Nepal came under mounting international pressure Monday over its king's dismissal of the government and suspension of civil liberties earlier this month. The United States recalled its ambassador for consultations on the crisis. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said in a statement that Ambassador James Moriarity will confer with administration officials in Washington for a week, then return to Nepal. ``We remain deeply troubled by developments in Nepal,'' Boucher said, adding the king needs to ``restore and protect civil and human rights, promptly release those detained under the state of emergency and move quickly toward the restoration of civil liberties.'' King Gyanendra has justified his power grab as necessary to restore order and combat a communist insurgency that has claimed more than 10,500 lives since 1996. Britain and France have also recalled their ambassadors. ``Once again, we call on all parties concerned to act in favor of the fastest re-establishment of democracy,'' said French Foreign Ministry spokesman Herve Ladsous. Neighboring India's External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh said the king's actions had sparked a confrontation between the monarchy and political parties that would only benefit the Maoist rebels. India is worried an unstable Nepal could cause regional turmoil, with refugees or militants spilling across the border. Singh urged the monarch to release the scores of political leaders under house arrest or in prison, to restore press freedom and to take steps toward a return to democratic rule, according to a ministry statement. ``We have to deal with whatever government is in office, but our sympathies lie with the democratic forces in that country,'' Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran said in a speech to diplomats and journalists. On Monday, the king consolidated his power, appointing two former prime ministers - unlikely to challenge his rule - to top Cabinet posts. Kritinidhi Bista, 79, and Tulsi Giri, 78, were named vice chairmen of the 10-member Cabinet installed by Gyanendra. Both served as prime ministers before 1990, when Nepal was under an absolute monarchy, and are therefore viewed as sympathetic to the king. Bista and Giri will oversee several ministries including health, agriculture and law and justice. Meanwhile, buses and trucks on Monday defied a rebel blockade, bringing thousands of passengers as well as fuel and food into the capital, Katmandu. The blockade began Saturday as a protest against the king's suspension of civil liberties. The guerrillas have refused peace overtures from the new government. Rebel leader Prachanda said the king's action has ``ended any and all possibility of peace talks.'' In a statement issued over the weekend, the elusive rebel leader also asked the international community and donor nations to sever ties with the royal government.