The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Kathmandu

The leader of Nepal's Maoists, Prachanda, was sworn in as prime minister of the new republic Monday, finalising his transformation from warlord to the country's most powerful politician.

The former rebel chief was overwhelmingly voted in as Nepal's new premier on Friday by lawmakers in the constitutional assembly, which in May abolished the unpopular 240-year-old Hindu monarchy.

"I will remain faithful to the nation and my countrymen, and promise in the name of the people that I will remain faithful to the sovereign nation of Nepal," he said in his oath of office. Prachanda's real name is Pushpa Kamal Dahal, but he chooses to go by a nom-de-guerre meaning "fierce one."

Dressed in a grey suit and tie and wearing a traditional Nepali cap, the ex-rebel leader-once Nepal's most-wanted man-looked ill at ease as he was feted by a guard of honour and watched by an large audience of dignitaries, among them scores of foreign diplomats.

A Nepal Army band played the new republic's national anthem at the function, which was held in the lush gardens of the president's office and residence in central Kathmandu.