MEETING WITH ONE OF NEPAL'S MOST SENIOR DEMOCRATS:

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KATHMANDU 001516

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR SA/INS, LONDON FOR POL/GURNEY, NSC FOR MILLARD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/07/2013
TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER NP
SUBJECT: MEETING WITH ONE OF NEPAL'S MOST SENIOR DEMOCRATS:
AN UNLIKELY PRIME MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE

REF: A. KATHMANDU 1486

B. KATHMANDU 1507

Classified By: Ambassador Michael E. Malinowski for Reasons 1.5 (b) and
(d)

Summary
========


1. (C) On August 7, the Ambassador met with Krishna Prasad
Bhattarai, a founding father of Nepal's democracy, and
Narayan Khadga, a former Vice Chairman of the National
Planning Commission, to discuss the internal dynamics of the
Nepali Congress Party, Bhattarai's recent discussions with
the King, and the prospects for Bhattarai serving as a
consensus prime minister. While Bhattarai is in good
physical condition for his age and an excellent commentator
on Nepali politics, he did not look strong enough for the
rigors of public office. End summary.

A Meeting with One of Nepal's Oldest Democrats
============================================= ==


2. (C) On August 7, the Ambassador met with long-time
friend, former Prime Minister, and co-founder of the Nepali
Congress Party, Krishna Prasad Bhattarai. Accompanying
Bhattarai was former Vice Chairman of the National Planning
Commission, Narayan Khadga. (Note: Both are members of the
Nepali Congress (NC) Party and have sided with the faction
headed by former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. End
note.) Bhattarai was imprisoned from 1961 to 1971 for his
democratic activism and now at age 79 lives in retirement on
the outskirts of Kathmandu. Always outspoken and a hero of
Nepal's democratic movement, he provided the Ambassador with
his views on Nepal's acrimonious politics and recent press
reports that Bhattarai may emerge as a consensus prime
ministerial candidate.

Dialogue with the King
=======================


3. (C) Three weeks ago, Bhattarai met with King Gyanendra
to discuss with him the impasse between the political parties
and the government. At the meeting, the King affirmed his
commitment to democracy but admitted deep concern over the
current political stalemate. Bhattarai told the King that
whereas in the past Nepalese Kings could be firm, direct
monarchical involvement in politics was no longer risk-free.
Bhattarai warned the King that if he continues to ignore the
parties, the parties may attack the Palace. In their
discussion of the Maoists, Bhattarai reported the King to say
that they must be suppressed. Bhattarai called the exchange
frank, describing the King as a gentleman, who continues to
deserve the respect of the Nepalese people.

Views on Party Rival Koirala
=============================


4. (C) When the Ambassador pressed Bhattarai for his opinion
on the NC's next steps, he stated that the King must return
what was taken. (Note: On October 4, the King dismissed
elected Prime Minister Deuba. End note.) Should the King
call an election, the NC will participate, Bhattarai said he
believes the King may enjoy the tensions among the parties
and the split in the NC. Bhattarai does not foresee a
reunion of the two NC factions, blaming NC General Secretary
Girija Prasad Koirala for undermining party unity. Bhattarai
describes Koirala as unreliable and dishonest, with little
popular support. Bhattarai also reported that a
representative from the Indian Embassy (likely Ambassador
Shyam Saran) had visited him, at which time the Indian was
very critical of Koirala and his unwillingness to join the
current government. Bhattarai observed that Koirala's stand
was a break from his past practice, which was to do whatever
the Indians requested of him. Narayan Khadga took up where
Bhattarai left off, calling Koirala a fool for his ridiculous
public statements. Bhattarai offered that the best sacrifice
Koirala could make for the party was to leave it.

A Consensus Prime Minister?
============================


5. (C) When the Ambassador asked Bhattarai about the press
reports naming him as a consensus prime minister; the aged
and enfeebled gentleman chuckled and replied that he had no
interest in the job. He went on to say, however, that if he
was called, he might be able to galvanize party support and
would work towards elections in a year or two.

Comment
========


6. (C) Bhattarai and Khadga were engaging and very critical
of their NC party rival, Koirala. Despite some optimism in
the press that a "father of Nepal's democracy" could reemerge
in Nepal's time of need, Bhattarai appeared too enfeebled to
be anything more than a figurehead. He required reminders of
conversations that took place a week ago and referred to his
diary to recollect details. His physical condition did not
look strong enough for the rigors of public office.
MALINOWSKI