Nepal at crisis point

Fighting between government security forces and Maoist insurgents have caused 280 deaths in the last week in Nepal. King Gyanendra of Nepal signed the State of Emergency decreed by the Council of Ministers.

The worst affected areas are the district of Solukhombo, 280 kilometres north-east of the capital, Katmandu and the area of Salleri, also in the north.

Most of the dead, around 230, are among the insurgents. The four-month cease-fire was broken by the Maoist guerrillas last week. These guerrillas are fighting for a Communist Republic in this mountain kingdom, most famous for its permanent tourist attraction, Mount Everest.

The guerrillas declare that they are against the rule of the Nepalese Royal Family, although there have been democratic changes in the country in recent years and the King rules through a Council of Ministers.

Timothy BANCROFT-HINCHEY PRAVDA.Ru