Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
02KATHMANDU926
2002-05-12 04:23:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Kathmandu
Cable title:  

Media Reaction: Nepal's Prime Minister Sher Bahadur

Tags:  OPRC KMDR NP 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
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.


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