emergency rule Katmandu, Feb 13, SPA -- Nepal's King Gyanendra made hisfirst public appearance since seizing control of thegovernment and declaring emergency rule, but said nothingduring a brief event held amid tight security. Gyanendra drove to the old Hanumandhoka palace in thecenter of the capital, Katmandu, to participate in aceremony to welcome the spring, taking flowers from thehead priest as traditional music played and a 21-gun saluterang out. People lined the route to the palace, where Nepal's kingsno longer live but where many traditional ceremonies arestill held. The king arrived amid tight security and was greeted bytop government, police and army officials. He appeared ingood health, visibly confident and in a joyous mood butsaid nothing to reporters, who were kept far away.--SPA1201 Local Time 0901 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/239073