Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04KATHMANDU1695
2004-08-25 03:52:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Kathmandu
how-toThis record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS KATHMANDU 001695
SIPDIS
STATE FOR INR/R, R/MR, I/RW, I/REC; PA, SA/PPD
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR NP
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: Nepal insurgency
"Talks and no talks"
Editorial in the pro-India "Himalayan Times" (E/D, 8/24):
"If the developments since Sher Bahadur Deuba became the
prime minister nearly three months ago are any guide, the
peace process is nowhere near being started despite claims
to the contrary. The cabinet meeting late last week
concluded that it was the lack of seriousness on the
Maoists' part that has prevented the talks from taking
place. The CPN-UML, the largest constituent of the
coalition, had joined the government with its one point
agenda of restoring the peace through talks. But the
other day its deputy prime minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari
warned that the government would come down hard on the
Maoists, referring to their actions like the present
blockade."
"On the contrary, the rebels and certain political
quarters, including the parties in the `anti-regression
movement,' have alleged that the government has paid only
lip-service to the peace talks but has in fact been bent
on further militarization. For example, they point to the
lack of any confidence-building measures being taken by
the government as well as to its stand that any political
settlement has to be within the existing constitutional
framework. The government's attitude and the Maoists'
blockades, shutdown of business firms and violence do not
seem to give any sign of hope. Moreover, the government
has not thought it necessary to explain to the people what
proposal it had put forward, what stand the Maoists had
taken, and why the peace process has not got off the
ground."
"On their part, the Maoists seem unwilling to come to the
negotiating table unless they receive a positive
indication from the establishment in favor of a
constituent assembly, their central demand. In fact,
talks for the sake of talks hold no meaning, except
raising the public expectations, only to be punctured soon
afterwards. Moreover, the government may have been unable
to convince the rebels that it has the authority to grant
constituent assembly and then implement the agreement.
Meanwhile, conflicting statements from ministers - for
example, one says that se cret consultations with the
rebels are on, another says no such consulations are
taking place, and still another says something entirely
different - have only given the impression that the
government is confused at best. But, for a lasting peace,
there does not seem to be a better alternative to seeking
a solution even if it means going beyond the existing
legal framework, provided that it is democratic. Then
only will it be clear whether the Maoists are sincere
about their stands."
MORIARTY
SIPDIS
STATE FOR INR/R, R/MR, I/RW, I/REC; PA, SA/PPD
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR NP
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: Nepal insurgency
"Talks and no talks"
Editorial in the pro-India "Himalayan Times" (E/D, 8/24):
"If the developments since Sher Bahadur Deuba became the
prime minister nearly three months ago are any guide, the
peace process is nowhere near being started despite claims
to the contrary. The cabinet meeting late last week
concluded that it was the lack of seriousness on the
Maoists' part that has prevented the talks from taking
place. The CPN-UML, the largest constituent of the
coalition, had joined the government with its one point
agenda of restoring the peace through talks. But the
other day its deputy prime minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari
warned that the government would come down hard on the
Maoists, referring to their actions like the present
blockade."
"On the contrary, the rebels and certain political
quarters, including the parties in the `anti-regression
movement,' have alleged that the government has paid only
lip-service to the peace talks but has in fact been bent
on further militarization. For example, they point to the
lack of any confidence-building measures being taken by
the government as well as to its stand that any political
settlement has to be within the existing constitutional
framework. The government's attitude and the Maoists'
blockades, shutdown of business firms and violence do not
seem to give any sign of hope. Moreover, the government
has not thought it necessary to explain to the people what
proposal it had put forward, what stand the Maoists had
taken, and why the peace process has not got off the
ground."
"On their part, the Maoists seem unwilling to come to the
negotiating table unless they receive a positive
indication from the establishment in favor of a
constituent assembly, their central demand. In fact,
talks for the sake of talks hold no meaning, except
raising the public expectations, only to be punctured soon
afterwards. Moreover, the government may have been unable
to convince the rebels that it has the authority to grant
constituent assembly and then implement the agreement.
Meanwhile, conflicting statements from ministers - for
example, one says that se cret consultations with the
rebels are on, another says no such consulations are
taking place, and still another says something entirely
different - have only given the impression that the
government is confused at best. But, for a lasting peace,
there does not seem to be a better alternative to seeking
a solution even if it means going beyond the existing
legal framework, provided that it is democratic. Then
only will it be clear whether the Maoists are sincere
about their stands."
MORIARTY