The late former prime minister played a key part in orchestrating the development of peace in Nepal, ending a decade of civil war and armed revolts waged by Maoist rebels. As president of the Nepali Congress Party, he led mass demonstrations that resulted in the abolition of the Nepalese monarchy and the end of the authoritarian rule of then- King Gyanendra.
Mr. Koirala passed away on Saturday afternoon at age 85 at his daughters home in Kathmandu, Nepal. He had reportedly been suffering from heart ailments.