POLITICAL PARTY LEADERS TAKE CAUTIOUS APPROACH TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L KATHMANDU 001068 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/28/2016 TAGS: PGOV PTER NP SUBJECT: POLITICAL PARTY LEADERS TAKE CAUTIOUS APPROACH TO MAOISTS REF: KATHMANDU 1063 Classified By: Ambassador James F. Moriarty, Reasons, 1.4 (b/d). Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) In separate conversations with Nepali Congress (Democratic) (NC(D)) President Sher Bahadur Deuba on April 27 and CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal on April 28, the Ambassador emphasized that the U.S. looked forward to supporting the new government as it moved ahead, but cautioned that the Maoists should not participate in the political process or elections until they renounce violence and lay down their weapons. Both leaders requested international assistance for negotiations with the Maoists. MK Nepal suggested that the new government and the Maoists should sign an agreement providing for international monitors as the government was under pressure to formally reciprocate the Maoist three month cease-fire. MK Nepal and Deuba both indicated concern about PM-select GP Koirala's health. Deuba said that Nepali Congress (NC) President Koirala had approached him to reunite the NC party, but Deuba had been noncommittal. End Summary. Need Outside Experts To Help Negotiate With Maoists -------------- -------------- ¶2. (C) The Ambassador told NC(D) president Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal that the new government should clarify its bottom lines as it moves forward in terms of negotiating with the Maoists. The Ambassador strongly advised that the Maoists should lay down their weapons and renounce violence before participating in government. Deuba stated that Maoist weapons were the "toughest issue," but noted that it was very important for "the peace of the people." Deuba said that the Indian Ambassador had tried to assure him that the Maoists could be disarmed. Deuba said that the new government might need some type of outside expertise to work this issue. He also requested that the U.S. openly provide help in the negotiations with the Maoists. MK Nepal also said that the new government needed help, explaining that the new government really needed to be able to have discussions with legal experts. Deuba was interested in a group of countries acting as a watchdog during the negotiations. He agreed with the Ambassador that India would have to play a role, but could not do it alone. Reciprocating the Maoist Unilateral Cease-fire -------------- Q -------------- ¶3. (C) MK Nepal told the Ambassador that there would be pressure on the new government to reciprocate the Maoist three month unilateral cease-fire (reftel). MK Nepal suggested that the two sides should sign a document outlining a role for monitors, including international monitors. He added that if the Maoists were serious about following the constitutional route, they should begin to dismantle their armed wing as soon as the Royal Nepal Army comes under the control of the new government. The Ambassador and the leaders discusQthe new government's consideration of amending the constitution to permit a constituent assembly, as well as amendments to limit the King's powers, possibly getting rid of Article 127 and clearly putting the RNA under civilian control. Deuba and MK Nepal requested assistance in pursuing the possible constitutional amendments. Deuba indicated he was unaware of the rumors that the Maoists and GP Koirala and MK Nepal had agreed to set a date for constituent assembly elections, commenting that the new government would first have to talk with the Maoists before selecting a date. He added that the Maoists were unhappy that the Parties' non-violent movement had succeeded. Forming The New Government -------------- ¶4. (C) Deuba indicated that the seven-party alliance had not planned for a successor should Koirala become incapacitated. He said that the alliance probably would not support him (Deuba),nor did he think MK Nepal could become PM. MK Nepal said that he understood that Koirala's health required him to rest all but one hour per day. MK Nepal noted that Koirala needed to have good people surrounding him to advise him during the transition so he did not have to shoulder the burden alone. Nepali Congress Central Committee Member told Emboff that Koirala would be sworn in the evening of April 28, instead of the morning, because his health was still improving. Deuba said the seven party working group was still discussing how to run this parliamentary session. The speaker might wait five-seven days before starting the work of the session to allow the PM time to appoint a Cabinet, or might start work sooner. The Ambassador suggested that the new government also focus on an economic program and social issues. Deuba noted that the new Parliament would only nullify "bad, undemocratic" laws. NC(D) Uniting with Nepali Congress? -------------- ¶5. (C) NC(D) leader Deuba said that Nepali Congress President GP Koirala had approached him about unifying the parties, which had split in 2002. Deuba lamented that the King had tried to destroy him and his party, and that Koirala was trying to finish off that process by courting NC(D) cadre and asking them to join NC. Deuba said that his goal was to strengthen and build his party. That said, he indicated that if Koirala offered him a sweet enough deal and enough power, he would rejoin NC, which he called "Koirala's family party." Comment -------------- ¶6. (C) The requests for international assistance by MK Nepal and Deuba reflect their concern about conducting negotiations with the Maoists. They appear firm in insisting that the Maoists must renounce violence before participating in the political process, although they acknowledge the pressure they are under to announce "unconditional" constituent elections. MORIARTY