Nepal's parliament opened on Friday for the first time in four years, but the country's 84-year-old prime minister-designate was too ill to attend the opening or his swearing-in ceremony.
The House began with two minutes of silence for the victims of this month's anti-monarchy and pro-democracy street protests, in which at least 13 people died and thousands were wounded.
In a written statement to parliament, the absent premier-in-waiting, Girija Prasad Koirala, promised to call elections to a special assembly to draw up a new constitution, hold talks with Maoist rebels and declare a cease-fire.
The acting speaker said a debate would be held on Sunday on Koirala's proposals.
Outside, thousands of Nepalis surrounded the gates of parliament, waving party flags and chanting slogans to keep up pressure for a new constitution and a curb on the king's powers.
Monks in maroon robes and women in traditional tribal dress were among thousands gathered outside the gates of parliament.
"Democracy hasn't yet come, our struggle continues," they chanted.
Others held up banners parroting the demands of Maoist rebels who control vast swathes of the country and lent their backing to the often bloody pro-democracy and anti-monarchy protests.
Life has largely returned to normal in Nepal since the country's mainstream political parties called off their campaign.
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