Nepal flag raised at palace of dethroned King

Updated May 30, 2008 22:14:29

Thousands gathered outside Kathmandu's International Convention Centre to wait for the vote's outcome. [AFP]

Authorities in Nepal have raised the national flag at the palace of dethroned King Gyanendra.

The royal flag has been taken down from Nepal's royal palace as the Himalayan nation celebrates Wednesday's vote to become a republic.

The country is marking the decision by a Maoist-dominated constitutional assembly with a two-day public holiday.

King Gyanendra, facing a two-week deadline to leave, is reported to be packing his bags.

In a landmark vote capping a peace accord between the Maoists and mainstream parties, lawmakers voted to abolish the 240-year-old Hindu monarchy and establish a secular republic.

They also ordered that the main palace in Kathmandu be turned into a museum.

Nepal's army, long seen as a bastion of royal support, said it will respect the verdict of the assembly.

Palace secured from revellers

Revellers tried to celebrate near the palace, but were beaten back by police who have kept the area sealed off for several days.

The move came hours after stone throwing demonstrators clashed with police and tried to storm inside.

Police used bamboo sticks to beat the crowd back.

More than 25 people were injured during the protest.