King to parties: I?m open to talks His Majesty King Gyanendra (File Photo) His Majesty King Gyanendra said he was ready for dialogue with the political parties but, before that, the latter must clarify their position on ?terrorism?, among others. He also resented the proposed dialogue and alliance between the parties and the Maoists insurgents. In an exclusive interview to three government mouthpieces ? Radio Nepal, Nepal Television and Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) - at the end of his unofficial tour to the mid and far-western regions, the King said, ?People have told us that all they want is peace. But, the parties are talking about negotiation and alliance [with the Maoists]. They must be clear about their position on terrorism.? ?There are issues like good governance and corruption. We have heard of sweeping politicization of bureaucracy. They [parties] must be clear on that as well. Then there is fiscal discipline they need be clear about,? the monarch said and challenged the party leaders to go to the people with their vision, if any. He said, ?If they go to the people and speak clearly then there is room for talks and we can move forward.? I am open. I have never said I will not meet them [party leaders]. I, too, am accountable to the people.? Saying that terrorism is the major problem facing the country, the King said all must be careful not to give any sort of provocation to terrorist activities. ?Let?s not forget that the country is still in crisis in one form or the other,? he said. ?Our focus should be on how the country could be made stronger, peaceful and democratic.? The King claimed that his Feb 1 move was aimed fully at maintaining peace in the country and addressing the problems of the people. in response to a query regarding suspicions over the success of his move, he conceded that there were 'both bitter sweet experiences in the going'. ?I have heard such things [complaints],? the King said and added that all sides should put the nation at the center and carry out their duties. At one point, the King said the present crisis could have been minimized had the 41-point demands of the Maoists ? he didn?t address them as Maoists though -, some of which he said were justifiable, been addressed at the very beginning. ?It is said that they had brought forth 41-point demands. Some of those demands were worthy. Had something been done to address them, the country would not have plunged into a ditch.? His Majesty mentioned that the 21-point agenda of the present government were aimed at addressing the burning problems of the country. The King said his visit to the districts was an opportunity to be acquitted with problems of the people and that he was happy to be amongst the people. ?This King feels no pain being with the people. The institution of monarchy will not shy away from going for changes in order to solve the people?s problems.? nepalnews.com mk Aug 29 05