Kathmandu, Jul 8 (IANS): Nepal's deposed king Gyanendra Shah has said for the first time that he wants to return to the throne, Xinhua reported.

In an interview, the former monarch told News 24 television channel that he had made an agreement six years ago with the country's political parties that he would be a constitutional monarch. But the government abolished the monarchy in 2008.

The ex-king said he did not want to be active in Nepal's politics, but did want a largely ceremonial role.

Shah's latest comments have come at a time when Nepal is amid political turmoil, with political parties finding it hard to agree on new constitution for the country.

The constituent assembly was recently dissolved after political leaders' failure to reach such an agreement. Fresh elections are planned for November. But Nepal is in a political vacuum at the moment.

On Saturday, Shah turned 66 and celebrated his birthday in a ceremony held at his residence in the capital.

Hundreds of well-wishers, relatives and pro-monarchist political activists were present at the function.