Controversial charter set to be adopted

Nepal was scheduled to adopt its first full democratic constitution on Sunday, a historic step for a nation that has seen war, violence and devastating earthquakes since a campaign to create a modern state began more than 65 years ago.

President Ram Baran Yadav will formally promulgate the constitution intended to unite the country but it has already exacerbated divisions in some places with 40 people killed in protests against it in recent weeks.

Nepal's powerful neighbors are keen to see stability and to limit each other's influence in the Himalayan country.