Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
02KATHMANDU917
2002-05-10 01:38:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Kathmandu
Cable title:  

Media Reaction: Nepal's Prime Minister Sher Bahadur

Tags:  OPRC KMDR NP 
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KATHMANDU 000917 

SIPDIS

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

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR NP
SUBJECT: Media Reaction: Nepal's Prime Minister Sher Bahadur
Deuba's visit to U.S

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KATHMANDU 000917

SIPDIS

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

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR NP
SUBJECT: Media Reaction: Nepal's Prime Minister Sher Bahadur
Deuba's visit to U.S


1. "Bush pledges military, economic aid to Nepal; Deuba jubilant"

Article, "Kathmandu Post" (E/D, 5/9): "The United States has
pledged vital support to make Nepal's democracy more vibrant with
special emphasis on effective anti terrorist measures, peace and
security of the Himalayan Kingdon. The outcome of...the meeting
Prime Minister Deuba had with President Bush...was more or less on
the expected line and America's long term interest to be a partner
in Nepal's peace progress and democratic exercise more visible
than ever before..."


2. "U.S. extends full support"

Editorial, "Space Time Today" (E/D, 5/9): "There seems to have
been no specific areas in which assurance of U.S. assistance for
resolving the insurgency was made during the meeting... Another
noteworthy feature of Deuba's talks with Bush is that little
emphasis has been placed on increasing American development
assistance to Nepal... Prime Minister Deuba...will also meet the
British Prime Minister. Deuba is undertaking his visits abroad
with the express purpose of seeking further foreign military
assistance at a time when the general public opinion and the views
of responsible political forces, including sections of the ruling
party, are inclining towards resolving the insurgency issue
through the negotiating table. Deuba, nevertheless, is apparently
acting oblivious to such voices..."


3. "Fruitful Talks"

Editorial, "Rising Nepal" (E/D, 5/9): "...The U.S. has been a
great friend of Nepal. The U.S. government's willingness to
support Nepal in its fight against Maoist terrorists is very
significant... The U.S. government's recent announcement of an
assistance package to Nepal further underlined the importance it
attaches to consolidating Nepal's multi-party democracy and
development activities... President Bush's assurance of continued
support to Nepal's fight against the terrorism and strengthening
and safeguarding democracy indicates that the Prime Minister's
U.S. visit is absolutely successful..."


4. "Deuba-Bush Talks"

Editorial, "Gorkhapatra" (V/D, 5/9): "...America appears to be
committed to helping Nepal to fight against terrorism... The talks
have satisfied the expectations of Nepalis who have want to
protect democracy and human rights in their country..."


5. "Prime Minister's America visit"


Article, "Jwala" (Pro-Maoist, V/W, 5/9): Deuba's America visit, at
a time when leaders and party workers of the Nepali Congress and
the major opposition parties, human rights organizations and civic
society have called for dialogue to resolve the Maoist problem,
has not pleased anyone... Nepal is a sovereign country.
Foreigners are looking for every excuse to introduce their
military bases. If foreigners get an opportunity to enter Nepal
in the name of controlling terrorism, Nepal's sovereignty might be
put in danger... America killed thousands of Afghans in a futile
attempt to find Osama bin Laden. It cannot be denied that Nepal
will encounter a similar situation if America begins to hunt
Prachanda and Baburam [Top Maoist leaders]."


6. "Deuba's U.S. visit"

Op-ed, "Himalayan Times" (E/D, 5/9): "...This [Deuba-Bush meeting]
is indicative of the importance attached by the U.S. to Nepal in
its campaign to fight terrorism. The United States has stated
that it is not seeking permanent military bases in South Asia.
Although the final report of the American needs assessment mission
to Nepal, which will determine the kind of military aid to Nepal,
will not be known for some time, it is unlikely that American
bases will be established in Nepal or American soldiers will fight
the war against the Maoists. The most likely assistance will be
in the form of equipment and training... Both India and China will
be watching the American military aid to Nepal with keen interest"


7. "Achievements should not be undermined by difference"

Article, People's Reveiew (E/W, 5/9): "...The meting with
President Bush is a major feather in the cap of beleaguered Prime
Minister Deuba, who is facing opposition from not only the
opposition parties back home, but from some of his own partymen,
including former Prime Minister and President of the Nepali
Congress Party Girija Prasad Koirala... With help from the USA and
other Western countries, the army could probably quell the
terrorism problem faster..."


8. "Questions raised by Prime Minister's U.S. visit"

Op-ed, "Spacetime Dainik" (V/D, 5/8): "Declaring emergency in the
country, Prime Minister Deuba has been in various cities of the
U.S. for over a week for no reason. The Deubas' visit rather
looks like those of the honeymooners. This has shown how
irresponsible and thoughtless the Prime Minister is to the country
and people. The country has suffered an unbelievable loss over
the last ten months of Deuba's governance..."


9. "Prime Minister's America visit"

Op-ed by Nepal's former Foreign Minister Shailendra Kumar
Upadhayay, "Rajdhani" (V/D, 5/8): "...The Prime Minister's America
visit will definitely be successful in terms of controlling the
terrorist activities [in Nepal]. In the backdrop of the worldwide
campaign against terrorism, the Nepal-U.S. relationship has taken
a new course. Secretary Powell's visit to Nepal further
heightened the relationship. It can be hoped that Prime Minister
Deuba's America visit will further strengthen the Nepal-U.S.
relationship and improve mutual understanding..."


10. "Successful Meeting"

Editorial, "Himalaya Times" (V/D, 5/8): "The meeting of Prime
Minister Deuba with President Bush, the leader of the most
prosperous country in the world, is a matter of excitement and
satisfaction. America has helped Nepal in many areas, including
education, agriculture and technology... Nepal and America both
are fighting terrorism now. We are in a serious need of foreign
economic assistance as the Maoist attacks have destroyed many of
our physical infrastructures. The Deuba visit is expected to make
necessary endeavors in this regard..."


11. "Bush-Deuba talks"

Article, RSS (National News Agency) news carried by several of
Nepal's prominent newspapers: "Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba
has expressed gratitude for the clear expression of support
extended by the United States of America to Nepal as Nepal makes
determined efforts to combat terror..."

MALINOWSKI