NEPAL POSITIVE TOWARDS REVIEW OF U.S. POLICY IN

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 000250 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MOPS IZ NP SUBJECT: NEPAL POSITIVE TOWARDS REVIEW OF U.S. POLICY IN IRAQ REF: STATE 18283 Positive Response to Review -------------- ¶1. (SBU) On March 24, Pradhumna B. Shah, Joint Secretary for Europe and the Americas and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Emboff that the U.S. intent to redefine its mission in Iraq in August 2010 would be a positive step toward bringing peace and normalcy to Iraq and its neighbors. Shah said a stable Iraq would serve as an example to Nepal, itself going through a period of post-conflict transition. The Joint Secretary expressed curiosity about the details of the U.S. strategy to draw down in Iraq, particularly beyond 2010. He also asked whether the U.S. would use a similar strategy in Afghanistan. Emboff drew from talking points provided in reftel and promised to share additional information as post received it. Embassy Comment -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Shah implied but did not explicitly state that a stable Iraq would benefit Nepal economically by creating more jobs for Nepalese migrants. Remittances are a significant part of Nepal's economy, and many Nepalis work in Gulf countries. The Government of Nepal has made employment in Iraq illegal for Nepalis because of the poor security situation; however, post receives occasional reports of Nepalis working there illegally. POWELL