MEDIA REACTION: G-20, INDIA-CHINA,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 002070 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: G-20, INDIA-CHINA, AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN, NOBEL PRIZE, IRAN; 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. -------------- G-20 -------------- ¶1. "G-20 SUMMIT AND WORLD ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE," editorial in September 30 Assamese, AMAR ASOM: "The emergence of G-20 as an influential group in world economy will eventually benefit countries such as India and China. But there is a possibility that the U.S. might use this group to improve its economic condition. The transfer of leadership from G-8 to G-20 may bring many noticeable changes in international political and economic scenario." -------------- INDIA-CHINA -------------- ¶2. "PLOY TO CREATE AN ANTI-INDIA IMAGE OF CHINA," commentary in October 7 Hindi daily, AMAR UJALA: "A section of the Indian corporate media and strategists is reviving the China-phobia. This is being orchestrated to demand greater defense preparedness against China with the unstated requirement being deeper strategic and military ties with the U.S. Actually the U.S. is creating complications in India- China ties. The recent attempts in this direction should be seen in this context. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the People's Republic of China, the Chinese can take pride in their achievements and can welcome future with confidence." -------------- AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN -------------- ¶3. "GERMANY'S AF-PAK POLICY," op-ed in centrist Marathi daily, SAKAAL: "The reelected German chancellor Angela Merkel is now all set to take on a set of challenges, which includes the unpopular Afghanistan policy. Amidst domestic issues, Merkel has confirmed the continuation of German soldiers in Afghanistan, notwithstanding a string of threats by extremists, including from al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and German-born Muslims." -------------- NOBEL PRIZE -------------- ¶4. "VADODARA'S AND NOT AMERICA'S 'VENKY' HAS BROUGHT GLORY," editorial in the centrist Gujarati daily, DIVYA BHASKAR: "While [Nobel winner] Venkatraman Ramakrishnan's accomplishments have been shaped on foreign shores [America], the seeds of his scientific temper lay in his country of origin India in general and Vadodara in particular. Through his landmark NEW DELHI 00002070 002 OF 002 research, Venky has not only brought glory and pride to his alma mater [M.S. University of Vadodara] but has also once again proved the point that India's intellectual wealth is glorious since the Vedic ages." -------------- IRAN -------------- ¶5. "IRAN'S CHANGED ATTITUDE," editorial in October 8 left-of-center Kannada daily, PRAJAVANI: "Yielding to international pressure, Iran has not only agreed to discuss about its nuclear program, but also committed to open up its Uranium enrichment plant to IAEA inspection. Iran has also concurred to ship its low- enriched uranium to Russia for reprocessing. It is obvious that the Iran's leaders have finally realized that international sanctions could hamper the growth and prosperity of the country." ¶6. "IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM AND ISRAEL," editorial in October 6 right-of-center Urdu daily, HINDUSTAN EXPRESS: "Israel and pro-Israel media is the greatest enemy of Iran's nuclear program, but America's enmity with it, needs no comment. Zionist lobbies and media of Europe and America want a war in the Middle East at any cost. They, therefore, do not want to see any country of this region becoming an atomic power. This is why, about thirty years before, Israel had bombarded nuclear installations of Iraq with bombs and missiles. It is said that some Arab countries had given passage to Israeli bombing planes at the nod of the U.S. Much water passed through the bridge during these three decades, but is there any change in the character, altitude and strategy of America? This is the most pertinent question of the day." ROEMER