No graft charges for Nepali PM

The anti-corruption agency in Nepal says it will not charge the Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, over his alleged involvement in a controversial aircraft deal which resulted in the loss of millions dollars to the state-owned Royal Nepal Airlines.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority has, however, warned Mr Koirala to be vigilant against possible corruption in the future.

It has charged 10 people, including a former minister, for allegedly securing the deal last year to lease an Austrian aircraft for the national carrier.

The accused deny any wrong-doing.

Political observers in Nepal say the decision comes as a great relief to Prime Minister Koirala, who in recent months has been under severe pressure from opposition parties to step down.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service