Nepal sends soliders, police to Everest to block torch relay protests

KATHMANDU, April 20 Kyodo

Nepal has sent security personnel to its side of Mt. Everest to prevent untoward incidents during the Olympic torch relay up the Chinese side of the world's highest mountain, the government said Sunday.

Home Affairs Ministry spokesman Mod Raj Dotel said 25 army and police personnel who have received mountaineering training have been sent to Camp II, situated about 6,500 meters above sea level on the south side of the mountain.

''Additional troops can be deployed if needed,'' Dotel said. ''We won't allow anyone to disrupt the torch relay.''

The security personnel are authorized to open fire if the situation demands, he said.

China plans to carry the torch to the top of the 8,848-meter peak between May 1 and 10.

Nepal last month banned climbing on its side of the mountain until May 10. It later eased the ban, saying climbers can go only up to Camp II before May 10, after which they can proceed further up the mountain.

''The security personnel will make sure that no one proceeds further up from Camp II before May 10,'' Dotel said.

Climbers say they are now required by the government to sign a document upon receiving their permit promising they ''shall not carry and exhibit any things like flags, banners, stickers, pamphlets or any audiovisual devices that may harm (the) bilateral relationship between Nepal and China.''

On March 10, China reportedly announced it was temporarily closing the north side of Everest to climbers because of the Olympic Torch summit bid.

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