KATHMANDU, June 5: Nepal’s Maoist former rebels gave up their claim to the post of the first president of a new republic on Thursday and said they would back a non-political candidate for the ceremonial post. Political parties have squabbled over the key posts of president and prime minister after the Himalayan nation abolished its 239-year-old monarchy last week.

A specially elected assembly voted to end the monarchy and gave the ousted King Gyanendra 15 days to leave his official palace. But key political parties were yet to agree on the formation of a new government and the election of a new president, with the Maoists, who scored a surprise victory in the April elections but fell short of a majority, initially claiming both roles.But on Thursday the Maoists softened their stand after holding a series of meetings with outgoing Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and other party leaders this week.

“Today we have decided not to stake our claim for a ceremonial president,” senior Maoist leader Barsha Man Pun told reporters after a party meeting.—Reuters