Media Reaction: Nepal's Prime Minister Sher Bahadur

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 000926 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. "Earnest Appeal" Editorial, government-owned "Rising Nepal" (E/D, 5/10): "...Firm moral and material support to Nepal would also help reinforce...the perception that the U.S. is fighting against all forms and manifestations of terrorism, wherever they may be. The recent U.S. announcement of an assistance package to Nepal is certainly useful. But possibilities of an enhanced level of development cooperation from the U.S. and extension of specific facilities...those related to preferential access of Nepalese products to the U.S. market, have to be looked into by American leaders to help Nepal tide over the present adverse economic situation. The Nepalese sincerely hope that the U.S. government and people have had a chance, during Mr. Deuba's current visit, to understand Nepal's difficult situation and then to think of ways to further advance the support to this country in need. Its earnest appeal must be heard with sympathy by all American leaders." ¶2. "Deuba's U.S. visit: Enhancement of ties" Op-ed, Rising Nepal (E/D, 5/10): "...It may be worthwhile noting that the visit of Prime Minister Deuba to the US holds promises of further cooperation and support. The US on its part has given the assurance of continuing support and this is an achievement. The door has opened and Nepal will gain more in the days to come. It is also a fitting answer to all those who had been critical of the Prime Minister's USA visit." ¶3. "At the Oval" Editorial, India-leaning "Himalayan Times" (E/D, 5/10): "...A country's standing in the comity of nations is measured not in terms of who sees whom on how many occasions but on the basis of its power, influence, resources and, more importantly, on its commitment to the ideals of freedom, humanity, good governance and respect for law. If not in power and so forth, Nepal can score on the latter counts. The United States has been a good and reliable friend of Nepal... In this hour of need, America has once again demonstrated that when the chips are irrevocably down, it is there to help." "...America's mention of Nepal as a democracy and the increase of development assistance directed toward... initiatives described as 'immediate high-impact job creation programs' that can provide opportunities to the unemployed segment, especially to the youth, and that can improve the living conditions of the Nepalis in rural areas is being treated with benign neglect. This component of the American commitment is also an anti-terrorist measure in that it constitutes a package that seeks to dilute the widespread disillusionment and frustration stemming from poverty, joblessness and alienation. The emphasis on 'rural areas' which have the fertile breeding ground for extremism should be taken to mean that it is where the real problem lies, and it is where ultimately the war has to be won. The same holds true for democracy that is being practiced in Nepal. In order that the dispensation is safe and secured, the political leadership just cannot shy away from its bounden duty to strive for justice, equality and compassion for the deprived and the downtrodden. Meaningless rhetoric and sloganeering won't do, not anymore." MALINOWSKI