SARAN: NEPAL'S KING PROMISES OUTREACH TO PARTIES

C O N F I D E N T I A L NEW DELHI 009484

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E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/15/2015
TAGS: PREL PTER MASS IN NP
SUBJECT: SARAN: NEPAL'S KING PROMISES OUTREACH TO PARTIES

REF: KATHMANDU 2793

Classified By: Ambassador David C. Mulford for Reasons 1.4 (B, D)


1. (C) Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran told the Ambassador on
December 15 that Nepal's King Gyanendra committed to "some
initiative with the political parties" during his December 13
audience in Kathmandu. The monarch accepted Saran's argument
that he was isolating himself and contributing to the
polarization of the political situation, Saran continued, but
requested that India "grant him time" to reach out to the
parties in his own way and time. Saran told Gyanendra that
India could wait, but the time line is now imposed by the
progress of events in Nepal, not India's actions.


2. (C) The King "hinted" that he would soon appoint a Prime
Minister, and "good people" in a cabinet with a mandate to
engage in negotiations, conduct the local elections, and take
steps to improve the economy. But Saran added "how serious
he was, I don't know." In the meantime, the Foreign
Secretary continued, the political parties are "fired up" and

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preparing for a big rally planned soon for Kathmandu. If
they manage to sustain momentum from that rally, they could
alter the political landscape in Nepal, Saran speculated.
Responding to the Ambassador's question of how well the
parties were able to act together, Saran said that so far
they appear ready to cooperate. In separate interactions
with MK Nepal of the CPN(UML) and GP Koirala of the NC, Saran
replied, they appeared to be very clear that "we will advance
together or hang together."


3. (C) Saran also told us that he met with COAS Gen. Pyar
Jung Thapa, who remained "very disappointed" by India's
continued refusal to transfer weapons to the RNA. However,
Saran elaborated, Thapa expressed no sense of desperation.
The RNA appears to have sufficient supplies of arms and
ammunition, but still would prefer the political support that
would come with a resumption of Indian military assistance.


4. (U) Visit New Delhi's Classified Website:
(http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/sa/newdelhi/)
MULFORD