NEPAL: AMBASSADOR ENCOURAGES JAPAN TO ASSIST WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KATHMANDU 003209 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/13/2016 TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM MARR PREF JA NP SUBJECT: NEPAL: AMBASSADOR ENCOURAGES JAPAN TO ASSIST WITH PEACE TRANSITION PROGRAMS Classified By: Ambassador James F. Moriarty for reasons 1.4 (b/d). Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) In a December 12 meeting with the Japanese Ambassador to Nepal, Tsutomu Hiraoka, Ambassador Moriarty expressed optimism that Nepal's transition could proceed if arms management were successful and monitors flooded the Nepali countryside. The Ambassador indicated U.S. support was likely forthcoming in the areas of technical election support and improving the security environment. Hiraoka stated that the Government of Japan was interested in assisting Nepal in areas of arms and election monitoring (as well as IDP return) but required a UN Security Council resolution before it could move forward with monitors. U.S. Views on the Maoists and the Peace Process -------------- -- 2.(C) On December 12, the Japanese Ambassador to Nepal, Tsutomu Hiraoka, called on Ambassador Moriarty to discuss SIPDIS U.S. perspectives on the peace process and how the U.S. plans to assist Nepal during this transitional period. Noting that Maoist withdrawal was unlikely at this point in the process, the Ambassador expressed guarded optimism that, with a successful arms management program, stepped up monitoring, and a corresponding reduction of fear and intimidation in the countryside, Nepal could hope for a successful democratic transition. The Ambassador also commented that Maoist implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed November 21 varied dramatically district to district, suggesting failure by the Maoist central command to issue clear instructions. U.S. Assistance Regarding Elections and Security -------------- --- ¶3. (C) Having reviewed the Government of Nepal (GON) request for assistance in four areas (cantonment set-up and maintenance, capacity-building for security forces, assistance to and return of internally displaced persons (IDPs),and elections),Hiraoka asked on what issues the U.S. planned to assist. The Ambassador replied that U.S. support likely would be forthcoming in two areas: technical election support and improving the security environment. The U.S. might also assist with IDP return, in part to demonstrate an improved security environment. If those whom the Maoists expelled from their villages were able to return home, then the people would begin to let go of their fear of Maoist retribution. Japan Waiting for UNSC Resolution -------------- ¶4. (C) The Ambassador encouraged the Government of Japan (GOJ) to step-up assistance to Nepal over the next 6-8 months, stressing that there would be no better time to establish Nepal on a firm path to democracy. Hiraoka agreed, stating further that the GOJ was interested in supporting the arms monitoring mission. However, Japan could not act without a UN Security Council resolution, he said, and so could not be part of the initial mission of 35 UN arms monitors. Hiraoka also commented that Japan typically sends teams, not individuals, on monitoring missions. Hiraoka expected to have a project formation team on the ground in January 2007 to assess where the GOJ might most effectively target its assistance in the areas of election support and IDP return. Comment -------------- ¶5. (C) Although Japan is one of Nepal's leading and most respected donor countries, it maintains a low profile, particularly on politically sensitive issues. When the Japanese are ready to act, however, we will make sure our KATHMANDU 00003209 002 OF 002 approach is coordinated. Tokyo's willingness to provide some form of transition assistance and to coordinate closely with us on Nepal should be encouraged to the extent possible. MORIARTY