Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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02KATHMANDU1774 | 2002-09-12 11:14:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy Kathmandu |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. |
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KATHMANDU 001774 |
1. (U) On September 11 Maoist leader Prachanda issued a press statement calling for a ceasefire. The statement does not refer to the U.S. directly, but contains a general condemnation of the Government of Nepal (GON) "running to buy weapons to kill people." Should the GON proceed with its plan to hold elections, the statement threatens further violence. An unofficial English translation of the release follows in Para 3 below. 2. (C) The statement is generally regarded by most journalists and media outlets as authentic. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba told the Ambassador September 12 that he does not regard the offer as sincere, noting that the insurgents typically follow up an attack with a spurious olive branch. If and when the Maoists extend a genuine offer to cease their violent activities and resume dialogue, Deuba said the Government's door would be open (septel). 3. (U) Begin text of unofficial translation: Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) Central Committee Press Statement Our party has appealed several times to end the present civil war through the process of peace talks and a positive political solution. But since the appeal was firmly rejected, the revolutionary warriors of the People's Liberation Army have proved their superiority against the hired guns of the feudal power with the successful, brave attacks at Sindhuli in the east and Arghakhanchi in the west. This military protest has clearly showed the whole nation the indomitable and predetermined victory of the great people's war and the inevitable decline and defeat of the feudal murderers. This nationwide protest is a strong expression of the hatred of the masses toward the royal army terror. For the successful and courageous attacks at Sindhuli and Arghakhanchi, our party offers a revolutionary salute with heartfelt praise to the warriors of the People's Liberation Army and the masses. Homage is also offered to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the process of revolutionary transformation. We would like to make it clear that our party, along with other political parties, human rights organizations, associations, intellectuals and the general public were in favor of dialogue and a peaceful political solution. The feudal murderers plotted one conspiracy after another. The dissolution of Parliament and running to buy weapons to kill people have made clear the criminal activities of the feudal murderers. In this regard, the state of emergency makes no difference to the royal army spreading terror throughout the population. That is why our party has continued its military and political programs and activities. However, if the present ruling power is prepared for a positive and peaceful solution, then we are ready for a ceasefire and to take part in the process of peace talks. But we would also like to make clear that, if the massacre is continued under the guise of a mid-term poll and propaganda, then we are prepared for stronger military actions. The feudal murderers and their supporters will have to bear the responsibility for the result of such action. We will try to solve the problem through a positive political solution to avoid such a situation. But if compelled, we will fight to the end. 11 September 2002 Prachanda Chairman NCP (Maoist) End text of unofficial English translation. 4. (C) We share the PM's skepticism about the sincerity of this offer. Prachanda has issued other statements making direct and indirect allusions to resuming dialogue that have proven hollow. Maoist attacks over the past week have already raised doubts in nearly all quarters that the November 13 elections can proceed as scheduled. The threat of even more violence if election preparations proceed could make the case for postponing the polls, advocated by some, even stronger. MALINOWSKI |