Three national flags have been placed at the palace, which has become a
national museum from today. A signboard reading 'Narayanhiti Palace
Museum' has been placed at the main palace building.
"This is an important day," Koirala said after the flag-hositng programme, "The national flag that is flying here symbolises national unity."
He added, "The entire world is watching us. The world community is
surprised that we have been able to establish republic in a peaceful
manner. The whole process has completed without bloodshed."
Highlighting the need for cooperation and coordination in the days ahead,
Koirala said the federalism to be institutionalised through the upcoming
constitution should be uniquely Nepali in its character.
Ministers, leaders of political parties, members of the Constituent
Assembly, foreign diplomats, heads of constitutional bodies, civil society
representatives and media persons were present at the flag-hosting
ceremony, which was followed by a tea reception.
Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' didn't show up at the
ceremony.
According to Home Minister Krishna Situala, the museum will open for the
general public in about three months.
This was the first public function organised by the Nepal government after
the declaration of republic on May 28. Former King Gyanendra Shah had left
Narayanhiti and shifted to Nagarjuna palace on the outskirts of Kathmandu
Wednesday. nepalnews.com mk June 15 08
