New Nepali Cabinet sworn in

KATHMANDU, MARCH, 22. A 25-member Government under the new Prime Minister Mr. Girija Prasad Koirala, was sworn in today by King Birendra.

Mr. Koirala was given the portfolios of Defence, the Royal palace, Sports, Culture, Social Welfare and Women, the State Radio said.

Mr. Mahesh Acharya was given the Finance portfolio, which he left in early February over differences with the former Prime Minister, Mr. K.P. Bhattarai.

Mr. Chakara Prasad Banstola was made Foreign Minister, and Mr. Govinda Raj Joshi Home Minister. The new entrant Mr. Tirtha Ram Dangol was made State Minister for Health.

In all, there were six new entrants into the council of ministers, which heads the Nepali Government and consists of 14 Cabinet Ministers and eleven State Ministers.

Mr. Ram Chandra Paudyel was retained as Deputy Prime Minister and was also given the portfolio of Local Development.

Bhattarai's bitter opponent Mr. Khum Bahadur Khadka, who was instrumental in forcing him to step down, was appointed Minister for Water Resources.

- AFP

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Section  : International
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