PM resigns to clear way for Maoists

Nepal's Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala resigned yesterday, clearing the way for former Maoist rebels to form a new government after their surprise election win two months ago.

Koirala's move came after criticism from the Maoists that the veteran politician was unwilling to hand power to them even after his party lost the elections for a constituent assembly held in April.

"I announce in this house that I have abandoned the post of the prime minister," Koirala said in an address to a special assembly in Kathmandu.