(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-23 20:26

KATMANDU - Nepal has turned away a western climber from Mt. Qomolangma after he was caught with a pro-Tibet independence banner at a base camp, officials said Wednesday.

The climber, whose identity has not been released, was caught with the "Free-Tibet" banner in his bags at Mt. Qomolangma's base camp, the THT Online website quoted mountaineering officials in Katmandu as saying.

The climber is the first to be stopped by soldiers and policemen stationed on the Nepalese side of the world's highest mountain to prevent anti-China protests during the planned torch relay to the summit.

The Nepalese government has deployed soldiers on the southern side as a precaution. The planned torch run will be held on the Chinese side of the mountain.

Nepal's Home Affairs Ministry said Tuesday that appropriate security measures have been taken to prevent any protest activities from taking place on the Nepalese territory in connection with China's lighting of the Olympic torch on Mount Himalaya.