KATHMANDU, April 27: King Gyanendra formally named 84-year-old opposition leader Girija Prasad Koirala on Thursday as the new prime minister of Nepal, the royal palace said.

His official appointment comes as Maoist rebels called a three-month ceasefire after a ‘people’s movement’ forced King Gyanendra to recall parliament after a four-year gap.

Koirala, the president of the Nepali Congress, was unanimously recommended on Tuesday when the king backed down and asked the opposition to pick a new prime minister after almost three weeks of street protests.

“His Majesty (the) King has appointed Girija Prasad Koirala as the new premier upon recommendation from the seven agitating political parties,” the statement issued by the Royal Palace press secretariat said on Thursday.

Koirala was due to address a gathering on Thursday in the capital, but missed the celebration rally due to ill health.—AFP