Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KATHMANDU375
2009-05-06 09:06:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Kathmandu
Cable title:
NEPAL: PRIME MINISTER RESIGNS SITREP 2
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UNCLAS KATHMANDU 000375
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM KDEM NP
SUBJECT: NEPAL: PRIME MINISTER RESIGNS SITREP 2
REF: A. KATHMANDU 372
¶B. AND PREVIOUS
(U) Since May 5 late afternoon local time, the following key
events have occurred:
May 5
-The Supreme Court issued show-cause notices to the
President, cabinet, and Chief of Army Staff Katawal demanding
explanations why their actions were not unconstitutional.
The defendants have 10 days to respond.
-Maoist District Organization Committee in Ramechhap (75 km
east of Kathmandu) issued an ultimatum to Nepali Congress
(NC) and Communist Party of Nepal - United Marxist Leninist
(UML) to leave the district within five days. Maoists had
threatened the party for being 'foreign agents'. NC and UML
offices remain closed, but cadre have not left Ramechhap.
May 6
-UML President Jhalanath Khanal reportedly raised the threats
issued in Ramechhap with PM Dahal at a morning meeting.
-Day two of the Maoists' announced six-day protest program
for Kathmandu saw numerous marches throughout the Kathmandu
valley. Several hundreds of protesters held mostly peaceful
rallies in various neighborhoods of the capital. Clashes
between Young Communist League protesters and police led to a
few injuries.
- Due to the protests the Embassy's Regional Security Office
restricted travel of embassy personnel.
-Press reports state that Maoists in Kailali have issued an
order that all those supporting President Yadav's actions
leave the district within one week or face serious
consequences.
-The Ambassador, along with some other EU Ambassadors, met
with PM Dahal this afternoon. Cable to follow.
-Following the meeting with the PM, the same group met with
UML President Khanal.
-The afternoon meeting of the legislature was disrupted by
Maoist members immediately after the national anthem. No
business could be conducted.
-The Supreme Court hearing on Katawal's age took place as
scheduled this afternoon, but no decision was issued.
-Party negotiations on formation of a new government
continue, but are inconclusive as of close of business.
-The afternoon meeting of three Madhesi parties (Madhesi
People's Rights Forum, Terai Madhes Democratic Party, and
Sadbhavana Party) to forge a unified position on the
formation of a new government was ongoing at close of
business.
-At a news conference late this afternoon the PM made the
following points:
a) the aim of the videotaped speech he gave (January 2008)
was to strengthen the morale of Maoist cadre at a time when
it was unclear whether elections for the Constituent Assembly
election would be held (Additional information on the
videotape will be reported septel),
b) the President's unconstitutional action must be corrected
before progress can be made on forming a new government,
c) he was confident the next government would be formed under
Maoist leadership, and
d) the Maoists were committed to the peace process and
drafting a new constitution.
POWELL