Nepal's King to consult Supreme Court over crisis

King Birendra of Nepal has decided to consult the Supreme Court on ways to resolve the country's political crisis.

A statement from the royal palace broadcast by Nepalese television said the King would seek the court's opinion on whether to announce a general election or call a special session of parliament to debate a no-confidence motion against the government.

The announcement came after the prime minister, Surya Bahadur Thapa, recommended fresh elections when five of his ministers resigned from the cabinet.

The communist opposition had been demanding a debate on a no-confidence motion.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service