MEDIA REACTION: INDIA/PAKISTAN, INDIA-NEPAL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 001774 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: INDIA/PAKISTAN, INDIA-NEPAL RELATIONS, AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN STRATEGY, AFGHANISTAN 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. -------------- INDIA/PAKISTAN -------------- ¶1. "WARNING OF DANGER," op-ed in August 23 right-of- center Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "Prime Minister Singh recently warned that there was credible information of possible terror attacks from Pakistan- based terror groups. If Pakistan is really sincere about cooperating with India on terrorism and intelligence, it should turn its focus toward the jihadist organizations and share information about the activities of its non-government elements with India. Like the U.S. and NATO countries, we should fight terrorists jointly." -------------- INDIA-NEPAL RELATIONS -------------- ¶2. "PROXIMITY WITH NEPAL," editorial in August 22 centrist Hindi daily, HINDUSTAN: "During his India visit, Nepal PM Madhav Kumar Nepal could not do much to strengthen bilateral relations because of domestic problems. The Nepali coalition government cannot take any major decisions until a new constitution is formed and the peace process is completed in Nepal. Terrorism and fake currency problems in Nepal are a big headache for India, and an extradition treaty is a must. India should strengthen political and trade ties with Nepal." -------------- AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN STRATEGY -------------- ¶3. "DRONE ATTACKS CAUSING DESTRUCTION IN AFGHANISTAN- PAKISTAN," editorial in right-of-center Hindi daily, VIR ARJUN: "Pakistan may take credit for Baitullah Mehsud's killing, but he was really killed in a U.S. operation. The U.S. is using drone planes to eliminate Al-Qaida and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The U.S. army has been able to make good use of them, but innocent people are also becoming its victims. But in every war, a price has to be paid. Meanwhile, the drone is a deadly U.S. weapon against terror, without loss of personnel." -------------- AFGHANISTAN ELECTIONS -------------- ¶4. "AFGHANISTAN'S STEP AHEAD," editorial in August 22 Mumbai edition of centrist Marathi daily, SAKAAL: "One single election is not expected to end the political instability and mayhem in Afghanistan. But the election NEW DELHI 00001774 002 OF 002 process is still welcome in a conflict-ridden country which matters in world geo-politics. The whole world awaits the verdict. The prospect of a protracted post- election dispute is an unhappy one for the U.S. and the rest of the world. Nobody wants the Taliban insurgency to raise its head in this uncertain phase." ¶5. "PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN AFGHANISTAN," editorial in August 24 right-of-center Urdu daily, HINDUSTAN EXPRESS: "A lack of worthy alternatives has left the U.S. perplexed over the change of administration in Kabul. We hope the new president does not become a puppet president. He should take concrete measures to establish a strong and stable administration, and should win the trust of his countrymen. A lot of courage is required to uproot the violence and extremism." ¶6. "PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN AFGHANISTAN," editorial in August 23 right-of-center Urdu daily, ETEMAAD: "To isolate the Taliban is not an easy job. There is no way out except elections. The Taliban and extremists tried their level best to sabotage the elections, but they could not succeed. It is a great victory for democracy in Afghanistan." ¶7. "ELECTION IN AFGHANISTAN," editorial in August 22 independent Kolkata Bengali daily, ANANDABAZAR PATRIKA: "That the Afghan people want to repose their faith on democracy despite the Taliban threat is now proven. Women's activism around the electoral process may pave the way for their empowerment in the country. At least for that reason, this election needs to be welcomed and one should wish every success to it." ROEMER