Voluntary departure to US staffs, library, consular closed

Kathmandu, Apr 14 (UNI) The US state department has closed the consular section and library, and authorised voluntary departure of the US mission staff in Nepal.

''At the recommendation of the US Embassy in Kathmandu, the state department on wednesday authorised the departure for non-emergency US Mission personnel and families from Nepal,'' the US embassy said in a statement.

This authorisation means non-emergency employees, their family members and families of employees, who must remain at post can opt to depart Nepal in the coming days, the statement added.

The Embassy recommended this step following a week of widespread demonstrations, violence, and growing instability throughout Nepal, the statement said.

The Embassy also said that the American Centre Library and Consular Section are closed until further notice.

The US has strongly supported the democratic movement of Nepal and has been urging King Gyanendra to restore democracy and initiate dialogue with the political parties.

UNI XC AD ND1420