Hong Kong Standard, December 5, 1996

KATHMANDU: Fears of demonstrations by Tibetan refugees prompted extra security for the arrival on Wednesday of Chinese President Jiang Zemin.

Mr Jiang was not driven to the Royal Palace in the traditional six-horse state carriage used for other top leaders, such as President Roman Herzog of Germany last week.

The cancellation of the coach ride was part of a package of measures to prevent anti-China protests marring Mr Jiang's one-day visit.

The Nepalese capital is home to more than 25,000 Tibetan refugees who have staged demonstrations in the past calling for Tibet's liberation from Chinese rule.

The authorities have preventively detained some Tibetan youth activists who support exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

After a ceremony at Kathmandu city hall attended by King Birendra, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and communist opposition leader Mana Mohan Adhikari were to hold separate meetings with Mr Jiang at the Royal Palace.

A formal agreement on Sino-Nepalese scientific and technical co-operation was to be signed last night.

Under the agreement, China will offer US$10 million (HK$78 million) for the construction of an indoor stadium.

Mr Jiang was guest of honour at a state banquet given by King Birendra at the palace last night.

He is due to return to Beijing on Thursday.