Nepal's PM to remain in hospital

NEPAL: Doctors of Nepal's prime minister on Sunday denied him permission to leave the hospital where he has been undergoing treatment for possible pneumonia, preventing him from delivering a key speech, officials said.

The address, which was to have been given by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, will be delivered instead on Sunday by Deputy Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, officials said.

The speech highlights the government's upcoming policies and programs, and was delayed after Koirala fell ill and was rushed to hospital July 3. The 84-year-old prime minister has been in intensive care since then.

Kathmandu, Sunday, AP