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Posted
on 04-Jun-01 02:45 PM
U.S. to warn citizens of travel risks in Nepal
WASHINGTON, June 4 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department will warn U.S. travelers about the risks of visiting Nepal, where King Birendra and most of his family were killed on Friday, a spokesman said on Monday.
Nepalese police used teargas and batons on Monday to hold back a crowd trying to reach the royal palace and clamoring for an explanation for the bloodbath.
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said: "We will issue a public announcement, probably to suggest that Americans defer all travel to Nepal and advise Americans who are currently in Nepal to remain indoors through Tuesday, June 5."
The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu is advising U.S. citizens in Nepal to stay indoors, avoid crowds and be sensitive to local customs during the 45-day period of mourning, he added.
On the massacre of the royal family, Boucher said the United States had no reason to believe it was politically motivated.
"Once the shock and the mourning have run their course, Nepalese judicial and constitutional processes should determine the responsibility and take appropriate action," he added.
Officials first blamed Crown Prince Dipendra, who died of his wounds on Monday, and then said the royals died after an automatic weapon accidentally exploded.
A high-level inquiry let by the nation's chief justice was expected to report on the palace massacre within three days.
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