Bomb explodes ahead of Nepal monarchy vote

By Gopal Sharma

KATHMANDU (Reuters) - A bomb exploded in Nepal's capital on Tuesday, injuring at least one person, in the latest attack that has raised tensions ahead of a historic vote for a new assembly to abolish the 239-year monarchy.

"It was a small bomb in a public park near the venue where a pro-republican cultural programme was set to be held," Kathmandu police chief Sarbendra Khanal said.

"One person was slightly injured in the leg," he said. "We have defused a second bomb near the same place before it exploded."

The blast came hours after members of a special assembly expected to formally declare Nepal a republic were sworn in at a ceremony attended by the country's top political leaders.

The government warned on Tuesday that it could use force to throw unpopular King Gyanendra out of the royal palace if he refuses to leave voluntarily after the monarchy is abolished.

"The king must leave the palace immediately and move to the Nirmal Niwas," Peace and Reconstruction Minister Ram Chandra Poudel said, referring to Gyanendra's private home.

"If he does not leave the palace then the government might have to use force to vacate the palace," he said. "This will not be good for him."

There was no immediate comment from the palace.