KATHMANDU: Nepal's opposition alliance compromises former constitutional monarchists and left-wing republicans. They had come up with a 12-point understanding with the rebel Maoists who control swathes of Nepal's countryside.
Here are the key demands, concessions and aims of the main players in the crisis.
OPPOSITION: Establishing absolute democracy by ending autocratic monarchy.
Restoration of parliament dissolved in 2002.
Formation of an all-party government by the restored parliament.
All-party talks with the Maoists who have led a bloody 10-year insurgency that has left more than 12,500 dead.
Elections for a constituent assembly to draft a new constitution, including more limits on the king's power.
Reforming the security forces to be answerable to the civilian government.
MAOISTS: A national political conference of anti-monarchist groups to form an interim government.
Elections for a constituent assembly as the minimum condition to joining the political mainstream.
Want a "democratic republic" in Nepal and the end of the monarchy.
KING: Offered to return executive power and asked the opposition to name a prime minister.
Retention of the 1990 constitution that gives him sweeping powers to run the country in the event of an emergency.
PROTESTERS: Many calling for a republic and overthrow of the monarch to end the Shah dynasty that has ruled the Himalayan kingdom for nearly 240 years.
Chants heard include: "Hang the murderer," "The king should leave the country", "Abolish the kingship" and "We want true democracy".
