Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KATHMANDU845
2009-09-14 12:12:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kathmandu
Cable title:
NEPAL: NEW ARMY CHIEF STRESSES HUMAN RIGHTS
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UNCLAS KATHMANDU 000845
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM NP
SUBJECT: NEPAL: NEW ARMY CHIEF STRESSES HUMAN RIGHTS
UNCLAS KATHMANDU 000845
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM NP
SUBJECT: NEPAL: NEW ARMY CHIEF STRESSES HUMAN RIGHTS
1. (U) In his first address since being sworn in as Chief of
the Army Staff, General Chhatra Man Singh Gurung stressed
that the Nepal Army would have "zero tolerance" for human
rights violations. Speaking before more than 1,000 generals,
officers, and non-commissioned officers at Nepal Army
Headquarters in Kathmandu on September 10, Gurung added that
the "character of commanders" would be reviewed before making
assignments. He would "maintain the Nepal Army's apolitical
character and support for the government in the constitution
drafting and peace process."
2. (SBU) Gurung announced a renewed emphasis on army
professionalism, civilian supremacy, civil-military
relations, decentralization of command, accountability,
coordination with other security forces, and non-combat roles
for the Army. The forthcoming year would be a "year of
training," promising more support for joint training programs
and physical training resources. According to army officers
attending the talk, Gurung's discussion of day-to-day issues
of concern to the Nepal Army was a welcome change to his
predecessor's focus on vague concepts such as "sovereignty"
and "national integrity."
3. (SBU) Comment: General Gurung's strong emphasis on human
rights during his first public remarks is a positive sign and
marks a shift from the tenure of General Katawal. Post will
continue to seek opportunites to press Gurung on key human
rights, impunity, and civil-military issues. End Comment.
MOON
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM NP
SUBJECT: NEPAL: NEW ARMY CHIEF STRESSES HUMAN RIGHTS
1. (U) In his first address since being sworn in as Chief of
the Army Staff, General Chhatra Man Singh Gurung stressed
that the Nepal Army would have "zero tolerance" for human
rights violations. Speaking before more than 1,000 generals,
officers, and non-commissioned officers at Nepal Army
Headquarters in Kathmandu on September 10, Gurung added that
the "character of commanders" would be reviewed before making
assignments. He would "maintain the Nepal Army's apolitical
character and support for the government in the constitution
drafting and peace process."
2. (SBU) Gurung announced a renewed emphasis on army
professionalism, civilian supremacy, civil-military
relations, decentralization of command, accountability,
coordination with other security forces, and non-combat roles
for the Army. The forthcoming year would be a "year of
training," promising more support for joint training programs
and physical training resources. According to army officers
attending the talk, Gurung's discussion of day-to-day issues
of concern to the Nepal Army was a welcome change to his
predecessor's focus on vague concepts such as "sovereignty"
and "national integrity."
3. (SBU) Comment: General Gurung's strong emphasis on human
rights during his first public remarks is a positive sign and
marks a shift from the tenure of General Katawal. Post will
continue to seek opportunites to press Gurung on key human
rights, impunity, and civil-military issues. End Comment.
MOON