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