Nepal's lawmakers abolish the country's monarchy

KATMANDU, Nepal — Nepal's lawmakers have abolished the monarchy and declared the country a republic, ending 239 years of royal rule in the Himalayan nation.

The newly elected assembly adopted the resolution at its first meeting Wednesday by an overwhelming majority and has given the king 15 days to leave his palace in central Katmandu.

There was no immediate reaction from the palace, which has rarely commented on political developments in Nepal since King Gyanendra was forced to end his royal dictatorship after widespread protests two years ago.

The country's former rebels, the Maoists, then ended their 10-year communist insurgency, and in April won the most seats in the assembly, setting the stage for the end of Nepal's monarchy.