KATHMANDU (AFP) - Nepal's President Ram Baran Yadav will fly to Japan later on Monday for medical treatment after he was diagnosed with intestinal problems, a spokesman said.

The 70-year-old fell ill two days ago and was admitted to a hospital in the capital late on Saturday, his press advisor Rajendra Dahal said.

X-rays showed a dark "stain in his large intestine", the advisor said. "The doctors suggested to us to seek treatment abroad. So he is leaving for Japan this afternoon for further treatment."

Mr Yadav was elected president by parliament in July 2008 after Nepal abolished the Himalayan country's 240-year-old monarchy in the wake of a decade-long civil war.

The president has a largely ceremonial position with little authority over day-to-day affairs.

An interim government headed by the chief justice and backed by political parties has been running the country since March, after parliament was dissolved last year.

On Friday, the government announced general elections for Nov 19, raising hopes of political stability in the nation.