The interim constitution draft committee, which also includes prominent Maoist leaders, has decided to include King Gyanendra in the interim constitution. However, the king will hold no powers.

Talking to Himalkhabar.com former chairman of Nepal Bar Association and a member of the committee Sindhu Nath Pyakuryal assured that the decision was reached by mutual consent and that there will be no disputes in including the king.

Pyakuryal said that although the committee is waiting for formal letter and to set up their offices, the members have started discussion and planning. "We do not have the right to announce for a republic via the interim constitution," he said "The basis of interim constitution will be the sprit of Jana Andolan, historic proclamation of the House of Representatives last month, the 12-point and 8-point government-Maoist agreement and 25-point cease fire code of conduct."

To Himalkhabar's question of whether a king without power could be called ceremonial king, Pyakuryal said, "You can give it whatever name you want." Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala was criticized last week for speaking on behalf of letting the king remain ceremonial. According to Pyakuryal, the decision of the king's status will be made after the House of Representatives is formed.

The summit talks on Friday formed the six-member draft committee headed by former justice of the Supreme Court, Laxman Prasad Aryal. Senior advocates Sindhunath Pyakurel and Mahadev Yadav, president of Nepal Bar Association Shambhu Thapa, and advocates Harihar Dahal and Khim Lal Devkota are the other members of the committee.