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| Nepalese royal guards change command at Narayanhity palace in Katmandu, Nepal, 12 Jun 2008 |
Nepal's Maoist ministers have announced they are stepping down to pave the way for the formation of a new government.
Seven ministers offered their resignations to Maoist party leader Prachanda Thursday in an effort to pressure Nepal's current prime minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, to step down.
Nepal's former communist rebels won the most seats in April's election of a new constituent assembly, but must form a coalition government with other parties.
Despite pressure from the Maoists, Prime Minister Koirala has refused to leave office. The prime minister and Prachanda are in talks to resolve the power-sharing issue over who will be Nepal's first president.
Nepal's new constituent assembly last month voted to establish a republic and abolish the country's centuries-old monarchy.
King Gyanendra left the palace Wednesday, and Thursday, Nepalese authorities took control of the royal residence and began the process of converting it to a museum.
Civilian police replaced royal guards at the palace.
King Gyanendra is moving to Nagarjun Palace, located on a wooded hill north of the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu.
The deposed king has promised to stay in Nepal and work for the good of the people.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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