E-Paper
Row in Nepal as dethroned king plans European trip: report
A row has erupted in Nepal amid reports that the dethroned King Gyanendra is planing to visit Europe after the former monarch acquired a passport for the first time last week.
A row has erupted in Nepal amid reports that the dethroned King Gyanendra is planing to visit Europe after the former monarch acquired a passport for the first time last week.
64-year-old Gyanendra Shah, who is all set to embark on a week-long trip to India in the first week of December, is preparing to head to Western Europe after his return home, according to a report in the TelegraphNepal online on Friday.
According to reports, the former king has received invitation from West European countries through their diplomatic missions in Kathmandu.
Last week Gyanendra received "RED Diplomatic Passport" from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for himself and his wife Komal.
Earlier, Gyanendra had no use for the document during his official visits. His only travel after leaving the royal palace last June was to travel on a personal visit to India, which has an open border with Nepal.
It has sparked a row with critics questioning the decision of the Ministry to provide Gyanendra with the diplomatic passport.
According to the report in Nepali news portal, the former King’s personal staff has started preparation for his stay in Europe and arranging "some" important meetings there.
