Communists quit coalition in protest

KATHMANDU, Nepal, May 3 (UPI) -- Communists in Nepal have quit a governing coalition in protest over the firing of the army chief.

BBC reported Sunday that Nepal's Communist UML party withdrew from the coalition after Gen. Rookmangud Katawal was fired for defying government orders to integrate former rebel fighters into his force.

The British network reported that Communist UML party's withdrawal leaves the Maoists in Nepal with only a bare parliamentary majority.

"The party has decided to leave the coalition and withdraw support to the Maoists," Communist UML general secretary Ishwar Pokharel said.

Xinhua reported local sources as saying a Cabinet meeting was boycotted in protest of Rookmangud's sacking.