MEDIA REACTION: INDO-PAK RELATIONS, PAKISTAN,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 001447 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, PAKISTAN, G-8 SUMMIT, U.S.-RUSSIA RELATIONS; 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. "READY FOR PEACE TALKS," editorial in July 13 right- of-center Urdu daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "PM Manmohan Singh has once again made it clear that India is ready to restore bilateral relations with Pakistan. Now Pakistan should also take initiatives to make the joint efforts successful. Pakistan has assured India many times that it will extend full cooperation in matters of investigating attacks, but its inaction has caused resentment in India. This is the major reason for the non-resumption of talks, despite the efforts of many countries, including America." ¶2. "AFTER CONTACTING ISI, DELHI TARGETS KAYANI," analysis in July 14 independent Bengali daily, ANANDABAZAR PATRIKA: "Though Pakistan is a country by name it has several faces as far as its leadership is concerned. Manmohan Singh, therefore, wants an integration of all these faces so that talks with Pakistan can be successful. Of course, the U.S. plays a major role in India's getting contact with the ISI chief. Washington has sent several envoys to South Asia during the last few months in order that tension in the region may subside." -------------- PAKISTAN -------------- ¶3. "THE TALIBAN CANNOT TAKE OVER PAKISTAN," op-ed in left-of-center Marathi daily, AAPLA MAHANAGAR: "There is widespread fear over the prospect of Taliban rule in Pakistan. However, there is little to support that assumption. Most importantly, the people of Pakistan will never allow a terrorist outfit to play havoc with their lives. In fact, there is a very active public movement against the Taliban in Sind. Also, President Zardari's recent statement discrediting terrorist outfits in Pakistan is another affirmation of the Taliban's public rejection." -------------- G-8 SUMMIT -------------- ¶4. "TOWARD G-14," editorial in July 13 nationalist Hindi daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "The G-8 leaders' decision for heading toward a G-14 is historical. This group will represent 80% of the world economy. President Obama has said tackling global challenges in the absence of major powers like India seems wrongheaded. Now the structure of international organizations will have to be changed. Political NEW DELHI 00001447 002 OF 002 decisions will also have to be changed according to the present world realities. It also means that the UN structure needs to change." ¶5. "G8 SUMMIT," editorial in July 13 Islamist Urdu bi- weekly, DAWAT: "No compatibility was visible between developed and developing countries at the summit, because both sides have their own rigid stands. Both the worlds differ almost on all issues -- be it the global economic condition or global warming; be it business and trade or politics. Prime Minister Singh rightly said in his speech that until and unless the developed countries fulfill their responsibilities, there will be no breakthrough." -------------- U.S.-RUSSIA RELATIONS -------------- ¶6. "CHANGING U.S.-RUSSIA RELATIONS," op-ed in July 13 Hindi daily, NAI DUNIA: "Obama's Russia visit was truly momentous because during Bush the relations touched their nadir. Obama and Medvedev signed several agreements during this visit, of which one is really significant -- a treaty on cutting nuclear arsenals. It is significant that Russia has come forward to help the U.S. in Afghanistan. Russia and the U.S. have several converging interests. Obama's big mistake was to eulogize Medvedev as a forward looking person, and call Putin a remnant of the Cold War past. This was Obama's attempt to drive a wedge between the two and Putin gave a sharp public reply to this. Eventually, in his meetings, Obama must have found out Putin is more significant than Medvedev." ¶7. "NEW DIMENSION IN U.S.-RUSSIA RELATIONS," editorial in July 13 right-of-center Urdu daily, ETEMAAD: "The Russian and U.S. presidents have said that the successful agreements signed in Moscow are the first steps toward better U.S.-Russia cooperation. President Obama wants to involve Russia in the disputed and complicated issues of the world. Obama's slogan of "change" is influencing international relations. If America takes Russia along with it, circumstances conducive to the rule of justice, equality, development and mutual respect may be created." BURLEIGH