NEPAL: KING ADDRESSES FAR-WEST

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 000643

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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PINS PTER NP GON
SUBJECT: NEPAL: KING ADDRESSES FAR-WEST

REF: KATHMANDU 18


1. (U) Summary: On April 4, King Gyanendra addressed
thousands at a civic reception in Nepal's far-west. The
King's brief remarks highlighted the importance of the
monarchy as an institution, the need for good governance to
achieve development, and his commitment to representative
multiparty democracy. The King asked for the political
parties to support the peace talks and the interim cabinet.
The King's themes undercut Maoist arguments for radical
constitutional change. End summary.


2. (U) On April 4, King Gyanendra addressed thousands at a
civic reception in Dhangadhi in Nepal's far-west. This is
the second public event since the King's coronation; the
first was reported reftel. The King's brief remarks
highlighted the importance of the monarchy as an institution,
the need for good governance to achieve development, and his
commitment to representative multiparty democracy. In a
pointed statement to political parties and the Maoists, he
called on them to "contribute in earnest to make the peace
process a success" and not to stand against the popular will
of the Nepali people for peace. In statements directed at
the international community, the King requested the political
parties to support the interim cabinet, arguing that "the
international community has begun to place their faith in
Nepal and its governance due to the improvement in the
country's general condition." Unlike the monarch's first
address, where political parties criticized the expense and
tried to paint the civic program as an attempt to sideline
them, there was little positive or negative publicity
surrounding the latest speech.


3. (SBU) Comment: The King's speech, the second in a series
of carefully staged "public outreach" events, was crafted to
resonate with domestic audiences weary of the long insurgency
and grateful for the respite provided by the cease-fire. By
calling on the Maoists and the political parties together to
"contribute to peace," the King signaled that he considers
each equally important--and potentially obstructive--to
progress towards peace. The speech also co-opted many of the
Maoist themes for a "new Nepal" and "true democracy," placing
them in a framework that does not require radical change of
the constitution, as envisaged by the Maoists.
MALINOWSKI