MEDIA REACTION: PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH ON AFGHANISTAN AND PAKISTAN

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 001111

SIPDIS

STATE FOR SCA/INS, PM/CBM, PM/PRO

STATE FOR SCA/PPD, PA/RRU

E.O. 12958 N/A
TAGS: KMDR, KPAO, PGOV, OPRC, NP
SUBJ: MEDIA REACTION: MEDIA REACTION: PRESIDENTIAL
SPEECH ON AFGHANISTAN AND PAKISTAN

1. SUMMARY: Nepal's popular English weekly
NewsFront (estimated circulation of 5,000) on
Monday, December 7, 2009 published an opinion piece
by a Nepal's Former Deputy Permanent Representative
to UN Binod P. Bista where the writer stated that
President Obama in his policy speech delivered a
clear message to the world at large. The piece
entitled "U.S. struggle against violent extremism
involving failed states," uses President Obama's
speech as an opportunity to urge Nepal's leaders to
'come together urgently to save Nepal from being
dragged into direct/indirect foreign occupation.'

SELECT EXCERPTS:

2. '... Acknowledging that 'struggle against violent
extremism will not be finished quickly' and also
outlining that extremism extends beyond the borders
of Afghanistan and Pakistan, Obama said that his
efforts would involve disorderly regions and failed
states... It would cost dearly to any nation in the
South Asian region to either ignore or belittle the
significance of the intended actions that the United
States is determined to take in collaboration with
its allies in its fight against terrorism. ...
Against this background, Nepal, rapidly approaching
the status of a failed state, cannot turn a blind
eye to the evolving new strategy and intended
actions planned by the United States with its allies
in the neighborhood.'

3. '...With the current law and order situation in
disarray, government being paralyzed in various
pretexts by the main opposition party, leaders of
major parties drifting away from a position of
understanding and unity of purpose, several factions
waging their class and ethnic struggles, Nepal is
inviting a serious disaster. ... Nepal's leaders
must first check the disorder that is quickly
engulfing the entire country. In fact, disorderly
situation alone is sufficient for the U.S. to take
action as it considers this factor to be aiding the
terrorist network in one form or another. ... The
leaders must work day and night to fulfill the two
outstanding obligations: constitution making and
meeting the requirements of comprehensive peace
accord. They will not be forgiven by the present
and future generations if Nepal were to lose its
freedom and sovereignty that is the only asset of
all Nepalis, hard earned but safely kept for
generations.'

BERRY