His Majesty King Gyanendra met with personalities from various professions this week at Ratna Mandir in Pokhara. He said he had repeatedly called for dialogue with the political parties and was willing to discuss the country's crisis with them even in the present situation.

Among the 41 people who collectively met the king were politicians, journalists, professors, lawyers, and tourism entrepreneurs. To a question from Hari Lamsal, editor of Rastrabani weekly, His Majesty said talks between the government and the parties were necessary to find a resolution. "Peace is what all Nepalis want, peace is our roadmap and we have to work together to reach that goal," Lamsal quoted His Majesty as saying.

Asked about the party-rebel pact, His Majesty's response was": "Terrorism is unacceptable and it is also unacceptable for anyone to assist terrorism." All others who met the king were given the same message: let's not fight each other, let's not get tangled in disputes, let's work together to resolve the present crisis.