The United States reiterated on Monday its concern over continuing instability in Nepal, and urged Nepal's king Gyanendra to hand over power to the political parties.

"We call upon Nepal's security forces to show the utmost restraint in responding to demonstrations that are called for tomorrow.

"We also call upon the king to hand over power to the political parties and for the political parties to shoulder their responsibility and turn the people's demands for democracy and good governance into reality," deputy State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said at a news briefing.

In response to a question if King Gyanendra should abdicate, Ereli said, "We want the king to transfer power to the political parties. That doesn't necessarily mean abdicating."

Nepali King Gyanendra announced Friday that he would give up political power to the people and asked the seven-party alliance to name a new prime minister.

The proclamation came after two-week-long nationwide general strike announced by seven opposition political parties and prolonged curfew in the capital Kathmandu by the government.

Source: Xinhua