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Bush dismayed by Nepal royal family killings

Aziz Haniffa
India Abroad Correspondent in Washington

President George W Bush, Jr, who is spending the weekend at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland, expressed dismay and sorrow at the murders of King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya of Nepal.

Bush got news of the murders through National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.

In a statement issued by the White House, Bush said his prayers were with the government and the people of the Himalayan kingdom of 24 million people.

"I am deeply saddened and shocked at King Birendra's untimely death. I also mourn the loss of Queen Aishwarya and other family members and extend my deepest sympathies to the king's extended family," he said.

Bush also conveyed his "condolences to the Nepalese people during this difficult period", saying, "Our prayers are with the government and the people of Nepal."

Meanwhile, at the state department, a spokesman said, "We're monitoring the situation closely. We'll keep Americans in Nepal informed of developments that could possibly affect their security."

"The assassination didn't seem politically motivated," the spokesman added.

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan also said he was "profoundly shocked".

A spokesman for Annan said, "He is deeply saddened by the tragedy. The secretary general extends his heartfelt condolences to the people of Nepal and calls for calm and stability in this difficult period."

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