Saturday, April 30 2005 09:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: King Gyanendra of Nepal has lifted the State of Emergency, which was imposed since February 1, 2005. The State of Emergency was lifted as per Article 115 (11) of the Constitution, effective from midnight, a Royal Palace notice issued late night (Apr 29, 2005) said.

The King had imposed the State of emergency after dismissing Sher Bahadur Deuba Government and suspended fundamental rights and press freedom.

The State of emergency needs to be approved by the House of Representatives within three months for further extension, as per the Constitution.

The King's imposition of emergency had invited international criticism and many international donors cut assistance, including military aid to Nepal.

The King also issued an order as per Article 127 of the Constitution to give continuation to the powerful Royal Commission for Corruption Control (RCCC), which was formed in mid-February.

The King's order was issued to legalize the RCCC at a time when its constitutionality has been questioned. The announcement of the lifting of emergency came hours after the King returned home from the official visit of Asian countries, China, Indonesia and Singapore.

During the visit the King attended the Asian-African Summit in Jakarta and Boao Conference in Peoples Republic of China.

Upon his arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport the King said that during talks with Heads of States and Heads of Governments, he explained to them, "Nepal had given priority to the fight against terrorism and the Nepalese people's aspiration for restoring peace," according to Radio Nepal.

The King added that he was influenced by his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Asian-African Summit.

"I have taken the views expressed by Mr Singh seriously," the King told reporters at the airport.

The King added that he discussed economic issues with the Chinese President and economic cooperation between Nepal and Tibet.