MEDIA REACTION: COPENHAGEN SUMMIT, POTUS NOBEL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 002500 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: COPENHAGEN SUMMIT, POTUS NOBEL PRIZE, WAR AGAINST TERRORISM; 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. -------------- COPENHAGEN SUMMIT -------------- ¶1. "COMMON GROUND," editorial in December 14 centrist Hindi daily, NAVBHARAT TIMES: "India and China have different concerns and strategies in Copenhagen. Copenhagen offers a great chance to these two big emerging economies to forge an understanding, not only on climate change but on strategic issues to stand up a regional bargaining block." ¶2. "HOW TO SAVE THE EARTH," op-ed in December 14 right- of-center Hindi daily, AMAR UJALA: "The developed countries are playing dirty in Copenhagen. They are trying to manipulate the poor countries, both by coercion and cajoling. This shows lack of honesty. The developed countries have their vested economic interests, and climate is the last thing on their minds." ¶3. "CLIMATE DETERIORATES AT COPENHAGEN," editorial in December 15 centrist Gujarati daily, DIVYA BHASKAR: "Instead of reaching a common ground on measures to combat global warming, the Danish capital has become a battleground between the developed and developing nations. The developed nations' obstinacy on the carbon emissions issue forced the developing group of nations (especially South Africa, India, China and Brazil) to stage an open protest by walking out from the negotiations. The fight between the developed and developing nations has only further vitiated this climate change conference." -------------- POTUS NOBEL PRIZE -------------- ¶4. "OBAMA GIVES PEACE A NEW DEFINITION," op-ed in December 14 nationalist Hindi daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "The day cruelty and barbarism become peaceful gestures, belligerence a sign of reconciliation and bombs bread, that day a Nobel Peace Prize for Barack Obama will be justified. Till that happens, one must condemn those U.S. sycophants in the Nobel committee who bestowed this great honor on Mr. Obama. Since when did adding 30,000 soldiers in Afghanistan become a sign of peace?" -------------- WAR AGAINST TERRORISM -------------- ¶5. "THE MURKY INSIDES OF PAKISTAN'S TERRORISM," editorial in December 15 left-of-center Marathi daily, MAHARASHTRA TIMES: "Secretary Clinton recently warned NEW DELHI 00002500 002 OF 002 Pakistan that if the latter is unable to contain the terrorist elements operating from its soil, especially Taliban and the Al Qaeda, the U.S. will have to intervene. This statement is a clear signal that Pakistan's grand plan to unsettle and terrorize India has been sufficiently bared. Ever since the Headley arrest, it is clear to the U.S. that Pakistan periodically sends insurgent elements to India." ¶6. "TALIBAN'S WARNING," editorial in December 15 right- of-center Urdu daily RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "Afghanistan's Taliban are growing in strength, causing concern to the U.S. and its allies. Their recent warning to police, soldiers and government officials to abandon their positions or face retribution is a new headache for the U.S. An increasing number of Afghans seem eager to welcome the Taliban, as a stabilizing influence is one of the most pressing issues in Afghanistan. The problem is that the U.S has no other way except war to counter this situation." ROEMER