PRIME MINISTER KOIRALA WRITES TO PRESIDENT BUSH

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 001614 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC PGOV PREL NP SUBJECT: PRIME MINISTER KOIRALA WRITES TO PRESIDENT BUSH REF: WHITE HOUSE 130102Z MAY 06 ¶1. (SBU) On June 21, Post received the following letter to President Bush from Prime Minister G.P. Koirala. In the letter, PM Koirala thanked the President for his May 17 letter of congratulations (reftel),outlined some recent developments in Nepal's government, and expressed a hope for future assistance and cooperation with the United States. Post is sending the original letter via pouch (registration number 5623708). Begin text of letter as written: His Excellency Mr. George W. Bush President of the United States of America The White House, Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. President, It is with a deep sense of honour that I am writing to express my sincere thanks to you for your warm words of congratulations on my assumption of Office of the Prime Minister of Nepal. The people and Government of Nepal have been deeply touched by your inspiring observations on the success of the recent peaceful popular movement, and encouraging thoughts on the future course of democracy in Nepal. In reverence of your sentiments as well as the exemplary support that we have received from you, Mr. President, your administration, and the cross-sections of the American society to our democratic movement, the people of Nepal join me in extending our most sincere gratitude to you and to your fellow citizens! The past few days have witnessed momentous developments in Nepal's political landscape. In a major step towards consolidating the gains of the popular movement and in keeping the people's aspirations at the helm, the Parliament has unanimously adopted a historic declaration thereby dismantling the traditional constitutional order and replacing it with a new one based on the universal features of democracy. As a consequence, the people of Nepal have become the real sources of sovereignty and state authority. It is my firm conviction that from now onwards no one would venture to undermine the sovereign power and fundamental freedoms of the Nepalese people. It is my hope that this declaration will also facilitate us in our efforts to resolve the decade-long conflict through peaceful means. As you also know Mr. President, at my request, the Parliament has already adopted unanimously a resolution, calling for elections to the Constituent Assembly, which has been the major demand of the rebels. We remain committed to maintaining unity among the political parties so as to ensure that our hard-earned democracy is not put in jeopardy, and a lasting peace is achieved in the best interest of the country, the people, and the international community. I personally believe that the liberty of the people, based on the fundamental principles of freedom, democracy and human rights, can only ensure and guarantee a peaceful, stable and prosperous Nepal. Nepal is in a critical phase of transformation and the days ahead are full of challenges. The peace process, which has already started, needs to be brought to its logical conclusion. It is equally important for us to restore economic and social normalcy in society. As it will be difficult for us to overcome these pressing challenges through our efforts alone, international support and assistance have become an urgent necessity. In this situation, we are highly encouraged by your willingness to provide economic, political and security assistance, of which we are, indeed, appreciative. Mr. President, I pay a tribute to your statesmanship as a great champion of democracy and freedoms in the world, and count on your continued goodwill and support as Nepal enters into a new era of democracy, development and peace. It will be our sustained endeavors that relations between our two countries and peoples, as fellow democracies, acquire a new height in the days ahead!! Please accept, Mr. President, the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem. //s// G.P. Koirala End text of letter. MORIARTY