Nepal to be declared a republic
Nepal to be declared a republic
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Monday, 24, Dec 2007 12:47
Nepal's monarchy is set to be abolished after a deal was reached between the ruling alliance and Maoist revels.
A 22-point plan has been agreed between the two factions that will declare Nepal a republic by spring 2008.
The move follows demands to abolish the monarchy by the Maoist rebels, who pulled out of the interim administration in September.
It is hoped the former rebels will now join the government but no firm date has yet been set.
A statement put out by the six-party ruling alliance and the Maoists said: "Nepal will be a federal democratic republic nation and the decision will be implemented after the first meeting of the constituent assembly."
The statement warned that if the King creates "serious hurdles" to the assembly elections, a two-thirds majority of the interim parliament will remove the monarchy before Nepal goes to the polls.
A general election has been scheduled for April, when the Nepalese will elect the members of the 601-strong constituent assembly.
Local commentators report that support for the Nepalese monarchy has been in decline since the popular King Birendra was killed in the palace massacre of 2001.
Human rights have since worsened under his successor and brother, King Gyanendra, who imposed restrictions on the Maoist insurgency.
In 2005 the King attempted to sack the government and assume absolute power in Nepal, only being forced to back down after huge public protests.