MAOIST SPOKESMAN SAYS INFORMATION ON U.S. EMBASSY

C O N F I D E N T I A L KATHMANDU 001273 DEPT FOR SCA/FO, SCA/INS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/28/2018 TAGS: PGOV KDEM PREL NP SUBJECT: MAOIST SPOKESMAN SAYS INFORMATION ON U.S. EMBASSY STAFF KILLINGS FORTHCOMING Classified By: AMBASSADOR NANCY J. POWELL FOR REASONS 1.4 (B/D) ¶1. (C) Summary: Maoist leadership will soon disclose details and information regarding the 2001 and 2002 killings of two Nepali security employees of the U.S. Mission, according to former PLA Deputy Commander Barshaman Pun (aka "Ananta"). Pun has been given the responsibility to make the disclosure by Prime Minister Dahal. In an initial meeting Dec. 10, Pun provided little direct information except to note that the Maoists, throughout the conflict, had a strict policy not to harm foreigners, tourists, or diplomatic mission employees in Nepal -- including local employees. He indicated that he would meet with the Prime Minister and with individuals leading Maoist activities in the Kathmandu Valley in 2001-2002 in the coming days to glean the facts. A meeting to convey that information is now set for Monday, December 15. End Summary. Initial Meeting -------------- ¶2. (U) Deputy Chief of Mission Berry met with Barshaman Pun (aka "Ananta") on Wednesday, December 10 to pursue greater disclosure of information surrounding the fatal attacks on the two employees. Deputy Consular Chief Mike Mussi attended as translator. Pun was designated by PM Dahal during last week's meeting with Ambassador to collect and convey the information to the Embassy. Pun is a former Deputy Commander in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and is now a sitting member of Nepal's Constituent Assembly. Few Details, But More To Come -------------- ¶3. (C) Pun conveyed very little regarding the details of the two incidents, which occurred nearly a year apart. He acknowledged that he had yet to discuss the issue in detail with the Prime Minister or those who had direct knowledge of the events, but pledged to conduct those meetings and convey the information within a few days. A second meeting has been set for Monday, December 15. Pun noted that although he did not presently have the details on the events or the decision-making process behind them, he did point out that throughout the ten-year conflict the Maoists had provided direct guidance to all cadres that foreigners, tourists, and employees of diplomatic missions, including Nepali employees, were not to be harmed or targeted. He did note, however, that there had been incidents of local Maoist commands ignoring such guidance. He asked how in-depth the Embassy desired the disclosure to be. Importance of Full Disclosure -------------- ¶4. (C) DCM Berry underscored the importance of full disclosure of the details surrounding the murders and what, if any, decision-making process led to them -- as well as reminding Pun that the Prime Minister had vowed greater disclosure to the Ambassador on several occasions. Berry additionally told Pun that disclosure of the information was the first, not final, step regarding the murders -- and that there would be a clear USG expectation that the Maoists take responsibility and action to address the issue. Comment -------------- ¶5. (C) It was disappointing that despite knowing the importance and reason for today's meeting, Pun essentially showed up empty-handed. However, he did spell out a plan, including a meeting with the Prime Minister, and when asked about his timeline for the disclosure, indicated it would take a matter of days. He agreed to meet again on Monday, December 15 to provide the initial information. Post will report and consult with the Department on next steps following that disclosure. POWELL