The Republic of Nepal

I am a monarchist. I believe that constitutional monarchy is the best form of government. On 28th May 2008, Nepal ceased to be a monarchy. I watched Nepali television, thrilled to be watching history being made before my eyes. Yes, thrilled. Thrilled because I believe, like most Nepalis do, that it is better to be a Republic than to be under a king as universally unpopular as Gyanendra. I could not help being struck by the irony of the fact that the brand new National Assembly had gathered yesterday evening at the Birendra International Convention Centre to formally abolish the monarchy. The event took place inside a building named after the king who will, I firmly believe, always reign in the hearts of the Nepali people - King Birendra. I share with many Nepalis grave doubts about the official version of what happened in the Narayanhiti Palace in June 2001. My posting of an official portrait of King Birendra and his family here is meant to convey to my Nepali brothers and sisters that I feel their pain (which I'm sure seven years have done nothing to dull) at the loss of their beloved King Birendra and his family, but I also congratulate them warmly for getting rid of King Gyanendra and constituting themselves as a Republic. I wish the Republic of Nepal a happy and prosperous future.