Koirala thinks king should retain role

The king was stripped of his political powers and control of Nepal's army after he bowed to mass street protests in April and ended 14 months of direct rule.

"There are spaces for all political forces in a democratic system. The king's power has been removed but he should not be completely left out...he should be given a ceremonial role," Koirala was quoted as saying by Pitambar Dahal, secretary of the Nepali Congress party.

Koirala's comments mark the first time the premier has publicly advocated a ceremonial role for the king since he was re-appointed prime minister when the king restored democracy.

Koirala made the comments at a meeting with Nepali Congress cadres in his home town of Biratnagar 548 kilometers (342 miles) east of Kathmandu Wednesday, said Dahal.