NEPAL: MAOISTS ANNOUNCE THEIR RETURN TO TALKS,

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KATHMANDU 001431 SIPDIS DEPT FOR SA/INS, SA/RA AND S/CT LONDON FOR POL/GURNEY NSC FOR MILLARD E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/30/2013 TAGS: PGOV PTER PINS CASC NP SUBJECT: NEPAL: MAOISTS ANNOUNCE THEIR RETURN TO TALKS, BUT THREATS TO AMERICAN INTERESTS INCREASE REF: A. KATHMANDU 1418 ¶B. KATHMANDU 1423 Classified By: Ambassador Michael E. Malinowski for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d). Summary ======== ¶1. (C) In the afternoon of July 31, the Maoists announced that they would sit for a third round of peace talks on the condition that the third round would address political, rather than technical matters. The Nepalese police have received reports from villagers that British and American trekkers in two northern districts could be kidnapped or killed. Save the Children U.S., was ordered to shut down its development projects in three districts immediately north of Kathmandu under threat of "severe action." End summary. Maoists to Sit for Third Round of Talks ========================================= ¶2. (SBU) At 1630 on July 31, the Embassy received from Government of Nepal sources a copy of a public statement accredited to Maoist supremo Prachanda, stating that the Maoists have decided to sit for the third round of peace talks. The statement continued by demanding that the next round should focus on political matters, rather than technical or procedural issues. Although unsigned, the statement matches previous public announcements in form and content. The head of the government-run media quoted the government's lead negotiator, Minister Kamal Thapa, as saying the talks would be held. The Embassy has learned also that due to claimed security concerns, the Maoists will likely return Maoist ideologue and chief negotiator Baburam Bhattarai and an additional, unnamed negotiator to Kathmandu from their current sanctuaries in India. Threats to American and British Trekkers ========================================= ¶3. (C) The ARSO received a report today from the Nepalese police that trekkers in Manang and Mustang (north-central Nepal) are being stopped and shaken down for money. Once the Maoists established that the trekkers were not from the U.S. or Britain, they were allowed to pass. Local villagers quoted the Maoists with saying that it was a good thing that the trekkers were not from America or Britain because otherwise they would be kidnapped or killed. Threats to Save the Children U.S. �0A;================================== ¶4. (SBU) On July 29, the Maoists posted notices in the districts of Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Sindhupalchok (the three districts immediately north of Kathmandu). The Embassy spoke with the Country Director of Save the Children U.S., who reported that they are evaluating the safety of their four Nepali staff members in Nuwakot and may consider withdrawing them. The Director reported that his staff in the field has not yet been approached directly by the Maoists. Begin text of the Maoist notice: Notice of Nepal Communist Party (Maoist) of Nuwakot, Rasuwa and Sindhupalchok ¶1. The justice loving public is heartily requested to help fully close the NGO and INGO run by the American imperialists, and not to support or work in such organizations. ¶2. It is found that Save the Children run by the American Imperialists is carrying out its activities under the cover of the Red Cross. A pious institution like Red Cross is requested not to run the programs of Save the Children under its cover. ¶3. All the temporary teachers should be made permanent without condition, and request the school management and the principal not to appoint or let the so-called permanent teachers attend school, except those who are presently working. ¶4. All justice loving members of the public are heartily requested to implement the above notice. The Nepal Communist Party (Maoist) will be compelled to take severe action if any activities are carried out ignoring this notice. With revolutionary greetings Thanks! End text. Comment ======== ¶5. (C) Peace Talks: The Maoists' decision to return to the negotiating table is a welcome relief for the government (refs A & B). However, the government's concessions to save peace talks have rewarded the Maoists' brinkmanship, increasing the likelihood that the Maoists will try this tactic again. ¶6. (C) Threats to Americans: The threats made against Save the Children echo earlier reports on Maoist efforts to limit U.S.-funded development programs. The head of Nepal's National Planning Commission, Shanker Sharma, told the Ambassador today that Maoists in a number of districts are increasing pressure on foreign supported NGOs in general, but are being more tolerant of Nepali NGOs. The threats to American and British travelers is a new and troubling development. In the past, Maoists have issued public statements welcoming tourists to Nepal and assuring them that their struggle was with the Government of Nepal only. Post will follow up on this report to determine whether it is repeated. MALINOWSKI