UNCLAS KATHMANDU 000891

SIPDIS

SEPT FOR INR/R, R/MR, I/RW, I/REC; PA, SA/PD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR NEPAL'>NP
SUBJECT: Media Reaction: NEPAL's Prime Minister Sher Bahadur
Deuba's visit to U.S.; French Presidential elections



1. " Deuba's US, UK trip"

Editorial, "Kathmandu Post" (E/D, 5/7): "...Prime Minister Sher
Bahadur Deuba's trip to the United States of America and the
United Kingdom has come at a crucial time when NEPAL needs
international support for its development initiatives and
security. The serious attention that Deuba's trip has drawn in
those countries shows that both are concerned about NEPAL's
situation and needs. But the absence of a consensus on foreign
policy matters among various political parties has quite often
sent a wrong signal abroad and has even confused donors..."

"NEPAL's campaign against the Maoist violence has, no doubt,
attracted international concern and support. But the support will
not be a blanket one. Alleged violation of human rights by the
government will be raised in international fora as human rights
record of a particular country affects aid disbursements and other
concessions. If Deuba succeeds in securing international support
to keep up the ongoing campaign against terrorism and help to
rebuild the ravaged infrastructure, that will be considered a
major achievement."


2. "A Significant Meeting"

Editorial, Rising NEPAL (E/D, 5/7): "...It is an opportunity for
NEPAL to...exchange views on a number of pertinent issues in the
backdrop of NEPAL's fight against terrorism... The US on its part
has agreed to support and cooperate with NEPAL in its bid to
contain the terrorists... The meeting in Washington D.C...with
Secretary of State Colin Powell is viewed with optimism and in the

SIPDIS
interest of the country... The desire of the USA to see peace
prevail in NEPAL speaks for the concern that it has for the
overall welfare of this country... That Mr. Deuba's talks with
President Bush will end on a bright note is a foregone
conclusion."


3. "On the French Front"

Editorial, Himalayan Times (E/D, 5/7): "The re-election of
President Jacques Chirac for a second term will probably go down
in the French annals as a political event of great significance
for the Republic and the European Union... France, though quite
safe now from a far-right backlash, is certainly not out of the
woods. During his renewed tenure, President Chirac must
demonstrate to the French public that he is not only committed to
but also capable of cleansing his administration... The second
term...is not going to be an easy one, given the discontent that
has come to grip the French psyche over the last few years... The
popular verdict was clear against Le Pen whose racist and anti-
Semitic postures drew criticism from across the political
spectrum. This year's presidential contest was, therefore, a
blessing in disguise for the French people. They united against
what could very well have grievously hurt their reputation around
the world."


MALINOWSKI