Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07KATHMANDU1089
2007-06-01 12:19:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kathmandu
Cable title:  

FOREIGN MINISTER HOPES FOR MORE PROGRESS ON MAOIST

Tags:  PREL PREF PHUM PTER PGOV BT NP 
pdf how-to read a cable
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FM AMEMBASSY KATHMANDU
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RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 2722
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KATHMANDU 001089 

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E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/01/2017
TAGS: PREL PREF PHUM PTER PGOV BT NP
SUBJECT: FOREIGN MINISTER HOPES FOR MORE PROGRESS ON MAOIST
BEHAVIOR, ELECTIONS

REF: A. KATHMANDU 1059


B. KATHMANDU 1069

Classified By: Ambassador James F. Moriarty for reasons 1.4(b/d).

Summary
-------

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KATHMANDU 001089

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E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/01/2017
TAGS: PREL PREF PHUM PTER PGOV BT NP
SUBJECT: FOREIGN MINISTER HOPES FOR MORE PROGRESS ON MAOIST
BEHAVIOR, ELECTIONS

REF: A. KATHMANDU 1059


B. KATHMANDU 1069

Classified By: Ambassador James F. Moriarty for reasons 1.4(b/d).

Summary
--------------


1. (C) On May 31, Assistant Secretary of State for Human
Rights Barry Lowenkron highlighted to Foreign Minister Sahana
Pradhan U.S. concern regarding continued Maoist abuses; he
also stressed the need to set a timetable for the Constituent
Assembly (CA) election and to include marginalized ethnic
groups in the process. Foreign Minister Pradhan said that
the Government of Nepal (GON) was "trying its best" to
resolve problems with the Maoists, but questioned Maoist
intentions to join a multiparty democratic system. She
acknowledged that the time was ripe to include marginalized
ethnic groups and suggested that the eight parties would
reach a consensus soon on the CA election date. Both agreed
that the election needed to be fair and free from Maoist
intimidation. Lowenkron noted that the USG had set aside
additional resources to assist Nepal with the peace process
and the election. Pradhan said that the absence of law and
order had perpetuated a climate of impunity with regards to
human rights abuses. Lowenkron suggested that the
appointment of commissioners to the National Human Rights
Commission would signal that the GON took its responsibility
to protect human rights seriously.

Maoist Behavior Unimproved
--------------


2. (C) In a May 31 meeting with Foreign Minister Sahana
Pradan, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human
Rights and Labor Barry Lowenkron expressed U.S. interest in
helping Nepal realize a sustainable peace and a successful
democracy. The Foreign Minister acknowledged that human
rights abuses continued, particularly on the part of the
Maoists, stalling progress towards a Constituent Assembly
(CA) election. She highlighted the May 25 incident in which
Young Communist League (YCL) cadre attacked the UN vehicle
carrying the Ambassador and the Representative of the UN High

Commissioner for Refugees as an example of poor Maoist
behavior (Refs A,B). Lowenkron said this incident had caused
some consternation in Washington; it had demonstrated the
uncertain political dynamic in Nepal. He pointed out that
the Maoist leadership had created the YCL at the same time it
was signing peace agreements with the GON. Referring to
Secretary of State Rice's statements that "progress in

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democratic development is not often linear, but it is
important to have the trajectory right," Lowenkron accepted
that there would be problems along the path to democracy, but
expressed concern regarding Maoist intentions. Pradhan
agreed that the biggest question remained whether the Maoists
genuinely intended to join a multiparty democratic system.

Minority Inclusion and an Election Timetable Needed Soon
-------------- --------------


3. (C) A/S Lowenkron emphasized the need for the Government
of Nepal (GON) to set a timetable for the CA election and to
include ethnic minorities and marginalized groups in the
process. The Foreign Minister commented that inclusion was
an issue the Ambassador regularly raised with Nepali
political leaders. Certain groups in Nepal had suffered for
centuries from not having a voice; these groups now felt the
time was ripe to have their voices included in the political
process. She believed the Nepali people were eager to vote
in a CA election and frustrated with the delay. Pradhan
suggested that the CA election date would be discussed at the
eight-party meeting May 31, but that the problems facing the
political leaders were numerous. The UN Mission in Nepal
supported this process and understood the constraints posed
by continued insecurity, she added. Lowenkron noted that the
USG had set aside additional resources to assist Nepal with
the peace process and elections.

KATHMANDU 00001089 002 OF 002



Election Must Be Free and Fair
--------------


4. (C) A/S Lowenkron commented that holding a free and fair
election required a secure environment. Pradhan agreed,
suggesting that the voters would not come out for the
election if they felt at risk. All of the mainstream
political parties in the GON wanted free elections without
Maoist intimidation, she added. Despite joining the interim
government in April, the Maoists had failed to change their
behavior. They continued to take the law into their own
hands. The political parties were trying to reach an
understanding with the Maoists, but the Maoists had so far
failed to act like a political party. "They don't understand
the concept of mainstream," she said. The Ambassador
recalled a Maoist leader's repeated remark that the Maoists
wanted to create a new mainstream and not work within the
current mainstream.

Human Rights In Nepal
--------------


5. (C) The Foreign Minister acknowledged that the absence of
law and order in the country had perpetuated a climate of
impunity with regards to human rights abuses. The latest
crisis within the Bhutanese refugee camps in Jhapa district
had demonstrated how easily problems could spiral out of
control, she stated. Lowenkron hoped that the GON would soon
appoint commissioners for the National Human Rights
Commission; this would send a positive signal that the GON
took its responsibility to protect human rights seriously.
Pradhan said that the Government was "trying its best" on
elections and human rights. She expected that problems with
the Maoists would eventually be resolved. The Nepali people
used to believe the Maoists had something to offer; now they
were fed up with continued Maoist abuses. She believed the
Maoists realized they would perform poorly in the CA
election, particularly with the YCL continuing to terrorize
people throughout the country. Lowenkron reiterated the U.S.
commitment to help Nepal in a free and peaceful transition
that would lead to an inclusive, multiparty democracy.

Comment
--------------


6. (C) Although Foreign Minister Pradhan suggested that the
government was doing what it could to move forward on
elections, rein in Maoist abuse, and protect human rights,
she did not seem unduly hopeful that the major political
parties would resolve their differences with the Maoists. We
share her skepticism about Maoist intentions. The Maoists
are arguing among themselves these days on the best way
forward, but we see no indication to date that any of their
leaders have renounced the use of violence and terror as
political instruments.


7. (U) Assistant Secretary Lowenkron cleared this cable.
MORIARTY