MEDIA REACTION: PAKISTAN, INDO-PAK RELATIONS,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 001291 SIPDIS STATE FOR NP, AC, PM STATE FOR INR/MR STATE FOR SCA/INS, PM/CBM, PM/PRO STATE FOR SCA/PPD, PA/RRU STATE FOR AID/APRE-A USDOC FOR 4530/IEP/ANESA/OSA FOR BILL MURPHY E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: KMDR KPAO PGOV PREL IN SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: PAKISTAN, INDO-PAK RELATIONS, U.S.-INDIA RELATIONS, IRAN'S ELECTIONS; NEW DELHI. This countrywide cable reports on relevant media reaction/opinion from India's large non-English press. The Mission reports on English-language media via email through the daily "Early Edition" summary. -------------- PAKISTAN -------------- ¶1. "PAKISTAN USES NUCLEAR WEAPONS TO BLACKMAIL AMERICA," editorial in June 22 right-of-center Marathi daily, SAAMNA: "Despite the rising global pressure on Pakistan after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Pakistan does not seem to have changed its ways. On the contrary, the Pakistani government seems to be on the offensive. Even the U.S. is wary of its next moves. If any of Pakistan's clandestinely manufactured nuclear weapons are passed on to the dreaded terrorist networks, world peace can be jeopardized forever." -------------- INDO-PAK RELATIONS -------------- ¶2. "DIRECT TALKS WITH PAKISTAN," op-ed article in June 21 right-of-center Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made it clear to Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari in Russia that talks cannot be possible if Pakistan continues to let terrorists use its territory against India. It was a well thought out and well crafted move. He chose his words very carefully. It is clear from terror mastermind Hafiz Sayeed's release how serious Pakistan is about fighting terrorism. India should be firm with Pakistan at the foreign secretary level meeting. India should also draw U.S. attention towards Pakistan's fault of not proscribing Al-Qaida for seven years." ¶3. "MEDIUM OF TALKS," editorial in June 19 centrist Hindi daily, DAINIK HINDUSTAN: "Most people in India and Pakistan favor talks, except for some aggressive lobbies, particularly in Pakistan. Even within the Pakistan administration there are such people and organizations who use terrorism as a strategy. These forces also try to make India-Pakistan talks unsuccessful by calling them meaningless. When we decline a dialogue with Pakistan, we strengthen these forces. We will not achieve much out of suspending talks. This does not mean that Pakistan should be allowed to get away with it. We can hold talks and put international pressure on Pakistan at the same time." -------------- U.S.-INDIA RELATIONS -------------- ¶4. "OBAMA IS A QUESTION MARK FOR INDIA," op-ed in June 22 centrist Marathi daily, SAKAAL: "President Obama has a defined mission in Muslim countries. And with a predecessor like George W. Bush, who has messed up bilateral relations in much of the Islamic world, one NEW DELHI 00001291 002 OF 002 can understand Obama's concerted efforts to appease Islamic representatives. But in this negotiation and appeasement game, India's interests are not being served; in fact, they are being repeatedly subverted, at least so far. President Obama's stance with regard to Kashmir is very dicey and certainly not pro-India. Also, the Obama administration does not seem to have done much about the accused in the 26/11 attacks. Although the Pakistani involvement has been more than proven, the U.S. is not to keen on taking the offenders to task." -------------- IRAN'S ELECTIONS -------------- ¶5. "QUESTION MARK ON IRAN," editorial in June 22 independent Kolkata Bengali, ANANDABAZAR PATRIKA: "That Ayatollah Khamenei is creating a rift in his country is evident from his condemning the mass agitation and endorsing the doubtful electoral results. The relevance of the election gets lost when the spiritual head certifies a politician in a religious country like Iran. However, history suggests that people's power can ultimately bend the state power." BURLEIGH