Nepal's King Gyanendra today  reappointed as Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, whose firing  two years ago thrust the Himalyan nation into political  turmoil and sparked a series of protests by mainstream parties.

Deuba would be "invested with executive rights" unlike  his predecessor Surya Bahadur Thapa, who could not make appointments without the approval of the King, a Royal Palace notification said.

62 year-old Deuba has been appointed to the post for  the third time.

He was dismissed as prime minister on October 4, 2002 by King Gyanendra, who described him as "incompetent" for recommending the postponement of the general election due to the Maoist threats. Gyanendra then appointed Surya Bahadur Thapa as the new prime minister.

The notice further said that the King has asked Deuba to recommend a council of ministers for initiating the  process of holding general election by April 2005 and to restore  peace in the country.

Deuba's appointment came 26 days after Surya Bahadur Thapa resigned following the intensified agitation by the five major parties demanding return to democracy.

On Sunday, the King had asked political parties to recommend a name for the post of the Prime Minister, but the agitating parties had refused, describing the King's statement as "vague."