Maoists in Nepal on Wednesday withdrew their blockade of Kathmandu and district headquarters till Friday, when the first session of the restored Parliament begins, following a request from G P Koirala who has been named to head a new government.
The rebels had on Tuesday rejected King Gyanendra's proclamation restoring the 2002 Parliament and had attacked the Seven Party Alliance for accepting the monarch's offer, saying it was a betrayal of the aspirations of the Nepalese people.
They had also vowed to continue the blockade of the capital and other district headquarters till their key demand for a Constituent Assembly was met.
On Wednesday, Maoist chief Prachanda said in a statement that the rebels have withdrawn the blockade till Friday as per the request made by Koirala, who had assured to take up the issue of Constituent Assembly elections during the Parliament session.
He, however, said that the rebels will continue other programmes like demonstrations and rallies in various parts of the country.
The Maoists also warned to restart the blockade if the demand for elections for a Constituent Assembly was not met.