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