Nepal reopens Everest after China event

KATHMANDU, Nepal, May 9 (UPI) -- Nepal reopened Mount Everest to climbing expeditions following China's success Thursday in taking its Olympic flame atop the world's tallest peak.

Nepalese officials had banned climbing on Mount Everest beyond Camp II since April 2, the NepalNews.Com reported.

The decision was taken on the request of the Chinese government as a way to assure there were no pro-Tibetan protests on the mountain as its climbers took the Olympic flame atop Mount Everest using the Tibetan route.

The Everest event had been heavily promoted by China in preparation for the August Olympic games in Beijing.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zheng Xianglin lauded Nepal's help in the event, the report said. He also praised the role of Nepal army and concerned authorities for their assistance.

Nepal's decision to ban Mount Everest climbing was criticized by some international expeditions which had paid considerable fees to climb the world's highest mountain. Early May is regarded as the best time for en Everest assault because of favorable weather considerations.