The Nepalese Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, has announced an eleven-member cabinet -- a day after he was sworn in as the head of a three-party coalition.

The new cabinet includes a nominee of King Birendra - the first time since the King gave up absolute powers following a pro-democracy movement in the year 1990.

The Prime Minister said his priority would be for conducting general elections in April, seven months ahead of schedule.