I will sacrifice my life for democracy: Koirala

Kathmandu, May 31 (UNI) Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala here today said he would be ready to sacrifice anything, including his life, to protect democracy, human rights and personal freedom in the country.

''I will leave no stone unturned to protect democratic values and norms,'' Kantipur quoted Mr Koirala, while he was speaking at a programme organised by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists in the capital to mark Nepal's turning into a republic.

''I am committed to country, democracy, human rights and individual freedom and I am ready to even sacrifice my life for these causes,'' said Mr Koirala.

Claiming that he has never backed away from his responsibilities, Mr Koirala said he will not follow the crowd and believe what others say.

The Nepal Prime Minister's remark was clearly directed at CPN-Maoist chairman Prachanda who yesterday said if the Nepali Congress and UML do not amend their ways, they might invite a communist republic.

UNI XC SP HS2242