Concerns raised over Nepal turmoil

KATHMANDU, Nepal, May 4 (UPI) -- The head of the United Nations called on Nepalese leaders Monday to maintain stability following the resignation of the country's prime minister.

Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal announced his resignation Monday following a politically tense weekend.

Dahal, head of the Maoist Communist Party of Nepal, fired the country's army chief, Gen. Rookmangud Katawal, on Sunday. Only a few hours later, Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav reinstated him.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon raised concerns Monday about security in Nepal and warned leaders in the country to avoid taking any more steps that could threaten to derail the peace process.

Dahal said his resignation was a move to save what he called the country's infant democracy. The tense situation in Nepal brought to the surface the ongoing turmoil in the country following the end of a decade-long civil war.

According to a news release, Ban called on leaders in the country "to resolve the crisis through dialogue and consensus, with full respect for the provisions of the constitution."