MEDIA REACTION: INDO-PAK RELATIONS, G-8

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 001439 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: INDO-PAK RELATIONS, G-8 SUMMIT/ CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT, IRAQ; 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. -------------- INDO-PAK RELATIONS -------------- ¶1. "DOUBTS ABOUT ZARDARI'S INTENTIONS," editorial in July 10 right-of-center Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "Pakistan President Zardari's statement that his country not only willfully created but also nurtured terrorists as a policy to achieve tactical objectives is important. However, confessions are not enough. Where's the action? Zardari has said such things in the past too, but his actions do not match his words. That is the reason he is untrustworthy. At least India should not believe a word, because the same Zardari refuses to take action against the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks." ¶2. "MEANING OF CONFESSION," editorial in July 10 centrist Hindi daily, HINDUSTAN: "By admitting to fostering terrorists, President Zardari has said nothing that the world does not already know. But this candid admission is unexpected. Has he made it under U.S. pressure? If so, then why? His statement cannot be seen as innocent; it definitely has a purpose. Wonder what it is?" ¶3. "EXTREMISM: NUISANCE, NOT A SOLUTION," op-ed article in July 13 centrist Gujarati daily, DIVYA BHASKAR: "The recent statement by Pakistani President Zardari, that Pakistan created and nurtured terrorists to achieve short-term tactical objectives, is more remorseful than reflective of the state of affairs in Pakistan. By admitting this, Zardari seems to wash his hands of the grave problem plaguing Pakistani society in general and its polity in particular. This is also a lesson for all those who take recourse to extremist and violent means that such methods only create unrest and anarchy in society. Pakistan serves as the best case study of how fundamentalism and extremism can wreck havoc in a society." -------------- G-8 SUMMIT/ CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT -------------- ¶4. "THE SEGREGATIONIST G-8," editorial in July 13 left- of-center Marathi daily, MAHARASHTRA TIMES: "After quite a long time, India has been given the rightful place in the G-8 summit deliberations. However, the rules that the superpowers are applying to India are pretty unfair. Even as these big powers expressed concern over the rising temperatures, they expect a country like India (now that it has been blessed with a place on the negotiating table),to seek dramatic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. The wealthy nations, NEW DELHI 00001439 002 OF 002 however, have failed to persuade the leaders of other big developing countries to promise to cut their own fast-spreading pollution. And that is because the superpowers are themselves not doing enough for climate control. Then what right do they have to set high expectations from India?" ¶5. "HOLLOW PROMISES," editorial in July 12 centrist Hindi daily, DAINIK BHASKAR: "The G-8 summit in Italy was not as successful as it was expected. The world's top leadership took note of the current critical issues and problems, but could not come up with an agenda. The biggest challenge is to overcome the present economic downturn and get economies back on the right track. The biggest contributors to global warming are the G-8 member nations, but they are not ready to cut down on their carbon emission. PM Manmohan Singh raised many correct and important issues on this occasion, but India still has a long way to go to get a voice. The proposal to expand G-8 should be welcomed. Otherwise, international summits are just picnics." ¶6. "DECLARATION OF G5 COUNTRIES," editorial in July 11 right-of-center Urdu daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "G5 countries have demanded from G8 countries that they should provide the developing countries with sufficient technology and monetary help so that they may take appropriate initiatives to reduce environmental losses. There is no doubt that unless and until powerful developed countries do not give up double standards on all international issues including the issue of environmental pollution, no joint effort can yield results." -------------- IRAQ -------------- ¶7. "ESCALATION IN IRAQI VIOLENCE," editorial in July 11 right-of-center Urdu daily, SIASAT: "Now it is the responsibility of Iraqi security forces to finish the six-year old aggressive occupation of American forces with complete devotion and diligence. The security forces should also make all efforts to stop serial bomb blasts and continued violence throughout the country. They should understand that most Iraqi people desire the withdrawal of American forces from their land. It is possible only when Iraqi security forces and police accomplish their duty devotedly, and the widespread violence is fully controlled. The present scenario of attacks, bomb blasts and violence may provide the stationed American forces with a justification to extend their occupation." BURLEIGH