MEDIA REACTION: IRAN'S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 001316 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: IRAN'S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, INDO-PAK RELATIONS, PAK NUCLEAR WEAPONS; 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. -------------- IRAN'S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION -------------- ¶1. "IRAN ON THE THRESHOLD OF CHANGE," op-ed in June 25 centrist Marathi daily, SAKAAL: "The turbulent aftermath of Iran's elections also holds some positive possibilities. Nobody can predict when the violence will stop over there, but President Ahmadinejad now cannot be stripped of his presidency. Protestors will be calmed down after a point, and Ahmadinejad will have to exercise a balanced domestic and foreign policy. Similarly, these elections may also pacify the religious extremists of Iran. That will be positive for the rest of the world too." ¶2. "CONSPIRACY AGAINST AHMADINEJAD," editorial in June 23 right-of-center Urdu daily, MUNSIF: "The western countries are hatching a conspiracy against Ahmadinejad to accomplish their nefarious designs. Western countries always want to install their stooges in power and Ahmadinejad is a hurdle in their way. His defeat will be the West's victory. These powers incited the violent demonstrations in Iran so that Ahmadinejad's victory may be nullified." -------------- INDO-PAK RELATIONS -------------- ¶3. "CORRECT DIPLOMATIC STEP," op-ed in June 24 right- of-center Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "There is an overwhelming demand for India and Pakistan to resume dialogue. However, there is disagreement over the terms. New Delhi contends that talks are not possible when the terrorists responsible for the Mumbai carnage have not been brought to justice. The ruling Congress does not want to risk going against public opinion, which has turned against Pakistan after the attacks on Mumbai. I personally think that efforts, however small, should be made to build confidence. This is yet another opportunity to lessen the distance between the two countries. Increasing people to people contacts would help. The Singh-Zardari meeting should not be seen as a compromise. Instead, it should be recognized as a long- awaited step in the right direction." -------------- PAK NUCLEAR WEAPONS -------------- ¶4. "THREAT OF ATTACK," in June 24 nationalist Hindi daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "The U.S. on many occasions indicated that if there is a terrorist threat, the U.S. army may take control over Pakistan's nuclear weapons. Al-Qaida's commander in Afghanistan has said in a NEW DELHI 00001316 002 OF 002 recent interview that such a situation will never come and the mujahideen will possess the nuclear weapons and use them against the U.S. President Barack Obama recently declared Pakistan's nuclear weapons a danger for both the U.S. and India. He is working on a new strategy in this context. It is out of the question to accept the demand of the al-Qaida leader that the U.S. withdraw troops from Muslim countries and stop supporting the anti-Muslim countries including Israel. Then, the only option left for the U.S. is to crush every possible danger. Being Pakistan's neighbor, the al-Qaida leader's statement is worrisome for India too." BURLEIGH