Nepal abolishes 239-year-old monarchy

A special assembly in Nepal has voted to abolish the Himalayan kingdom's 239-year-old monarchy.

A special assembly in Nepal has voted to abolish the Himalayan kingdom's 239-year-old monarchy.

The removal of the monarchy was a key demand of former Maoist rebels to end a decade-long war that killed more than 13,000 people.

Officials have said that the unpopular King Gyanendra will have a fortnight to vacate his royal palace in Kathmandu before it is turned into a national museum.

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