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.

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IRAN'S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
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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."

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INDO-PAK RELATIONS
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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."

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PAK NUCLEAR WEAPONS
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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

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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