MEDIA REACTION: CHINA, PAKISTAN, CLIMATE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 001973 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: CHINA, PAKISTAN, CLIMATE CHANGE, PRESIDENT OBAMA'S POLICIES; 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. -------------- CHINA -------------- ¶1. "What is meant by democracy?" editorial in September 23 Kolkata Bengali independent, ANANDABAZAR PATRIKA: "It is virtually impossible for any individual creativity to flourish in countries where the Communist leadership imposes political and social autocracy. In such an environment, talented and thinking individuals maintain distance and only the mediocre throng the party. It is not possible to build a modern and developed country with mediocrity and the Chinese leadership lately has realized this fact. That's why it is trying to bring democracy and openness within the party but internal democracy in the party is meaningless unless common people get their democratic rights." -------------- PAKISTAN -------------- ¶2. "Pakistan: an act of eyewash," editorial in September 23, independent Kannada daily, UDAYAVANI: "Pakistan has registered two cases against Jamaat-ul-Dawa chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, but this is just an eye wash to send out a message to the international community that they are acting against terror. While the US' stance on the issue will prove crucial for India, all nations committed to curbing terrorism should put pressure on Pakistan to take stringent action against Hafiz Saeed or else diplomatic ties with Pakistan should be put on hold." ¶3. "A drama of house arrest; where is the action?" editorial in September 23, independent Kannada daily, VIJAY KARNATAKA: "Though the United States criticized Pakistan in the aftermath of 26/11 Mumbai attacks, it usually takes a pro-Pakistan stance on various issues. While the US has its own interest in Pakistan, the latter took advantage of President Obama's 'Afghan-Pak' policy to utilize US' military assistance against India. The revelation that US law doesn't prohibit diversion of its military assistance provided to Pakistan is certainly a cause of worry for India." ¶4. "Eye wash," editorial in September 23 Chennai-based pro-DMK Tamil daily, DINAKARAN: "The Government of India described as mere eye wash the house arrest of LeT leader Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan. In the wake of Pakistan diverting major portion of US' funds and weapons for anti-Indian activities, India should strengthen its security across the border to protect itself against any misadventure from the neighbor." NEW DELHI 00001973 002 OF 002 -------------- CLIMATE CHANGE -------------- ¶5. "Let consensus emerge," editorial in September 23, left-of-center Kannada daily, PRAJAVANI: "Developed nations are putting pressure on China and India to limit their carbon emissions. After Obama's take over, the US stand on climate change has changed substantially. We can hope that a consensus will emerge at the Copenhagen Summit." -------------- PRESIDENT OBAMA'S POLICIES -------------- ¶6. "Obama refuses to mix his politics with skin color," article in September 23 Bengali independent, ANANDABAZAR PATRIKA: "Frequently reminding President Obama of his skin color will not solve problems of the black people in America. On the contrary, despite being a black, if he performs well then this will ultimately help change the American mindset and create mutual trust and respect between the black and the white people. From the very beginning, Obama has underplayed his black identity while carrying out his political activities. At the same time, he is also seeing to it that the black people do not face any social discrimination." ROEMER