(C) NEPAL: PROPOSED PUBLIC STATEMENT CONDEMNING

C O N F I D E N T I A L KATHMANDU 001430 SIPDIS DEPT FOR SA/INS, PD LONDON FOR POL/GURNEY, NSC FOR MILLARD E.O. 12958: DECL: PUBLIC RELEASE OF RECOMMENDED STATEMENT TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER ASEC NP SUBJECT: (C) NEPAL: PROPOSED PUBLIC STATEMENT CONDEMNING MAOIST ACTIONS LEADING TO BREAK IN CEASE-FIRE REF: (A) KATHMANDU 1413 (B) KATMANDU 1416 Classified By: Ambassador Michael E. Malinowski for reasons 1.5 (b,d). ¶1. (C) In view of increased tension between the Government of Nepal and the Maoist leadership (reported reftels) and the extreme pressure the Maoists have placed on the already fragile cease-fire, Post recommends that the Department release a public statement should the cease-fire break and hostilities resume in Nepal. Post suggests the following language be included in such a statement: -- Strongly condemn Maoist actions systematically violating the code of conduct for the cease-fire and precipitating the resumption of violence in Nepal. The Maoists' unrealisitic pre-conditions for a third round of talks derailed the peace process and ignored the Government of Nepal's efforts to pursue a constructive dialogue. -- Urge the Maoists to accept the Government of Nepal's invitation to return immediately to the negotiating table. A military solution to the conflict is not possible. The U.S. Government believes that only a peacefully negotiated settlement will resolve the conflict. -- Urge both sides to respect international standards for human rights, including the prohibition against recruiting child soldiers, and to uphold international norms prohibiting the use of torture. -- The Maoists must stop the use of terror as a means to achieve political goals. -- Further violence in Nepal will contribute to the displacement of the Nepalese people and push back further the country's economic and social development. In the end, the only losers in this conflict will be the Nepali people themselves. MALINOWSKI