EU condemns shooting of demonstrators in Nepal

BRUSSELS, Apr 21 (Reuters) The European Union today condemned Nepalese authorities for opening fire on demonstrators to supress pro-democracy protests, saying it marked a watershed in the country's political crisis.

The statement was issued shortly before Nepal's King Gyanendra announced he was handing over power to political parties and asking them to name a new prime minister.

At least 12 people have been killed and hundreds wounded in Nepal's pro-democracy campaign launched on April 6. yesterday, police fired on demonstrators trying to march into Kathmandu and at least three people were killed and up to 100 injured.

''The use of live ammunition against demonstrators marks a watershed in the crisis,'' the Austrian Presidency of the EU said in a statement.

''The Presidency of the EU roundly condemns the use of these and other excessive measures by government forces to curb pro-democracy protests,'' it said, adding that a long curfew had aggravated the already difficult lives of ordinary people.

After more than two weeks of violent street protests demanding he restore democracy, the embattled monarch had come under tremendous international pressure to relent.

REUTERS HS KP2115