Nepalese PM receives 'US support'

The Prime Minister of Nepal, Sher Bahadur Deuba, says he has secured strong support from President Bush in his battle against Maoist rebels.

Talking to reporters after meeting Mr Bush in Washington, Mr Deuba said he had been assured of help in many ways, but gave no details.

The United States has already promised $20m to Nepal to help fight the Maoist insurgency which has claimed nearly 4,000 lives in the past six years.

Mr Deuba is also due to have talks with the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, on his way home to Nepal next week.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service