ENDING THE STALEMATE IN THE PEACE PROCESS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 119813 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/13/2019 TAGS: IN NP PGOV PREL SUBJECT: ENDING THE STALEMATE IN THE PEACE PROCESS Classified By: SCA A/S ROBLAKE ¶1. (U) Action Request: For Embassy Kathmandu, please see paragraphs 6 and 7. For Embassy New Delhi, please see paragraph 8. ¶2. (C) SUMMARY: Nepal's peace process continues to drift, due to political stalemate among the major political parties. Although the Maoists have postponed their previously announced third round of protests, the chance of violence from accidental clashes between protestors and security forces remains a serious concern. The Department requests that Embassy Kathmandu and Embassy New Delhi deliver the points below to the Government of Nepal, the Maoists, and the Government of India, respectively. END SUMMARY. -------------- BACKGROUND -------------- ¶3. (U) On November 1, the Maoists launched a series of demonstrations against the current Government of Nepal. The two-week Maoist protest program was intended to force the political parties in the governing coalition to agree to a debate in the Constituent Assembly (CA) regarding civilian supremacy over the NEPAL Army, and to allow the formation of a new government under Maoist leadership. The demonstrations included a nationwide torch rally, picketing of Village Development Committees, municipalities and district administration offices, a Kathmandu Valley blockade, and a demonstration of government offices at Singha Durbar. As suggested by reported clashes on November 12 between riot police and Maoists in Kathmandu, continued demonstrations increase the likelihood of instability from clashes between protesting Maoists and security forces. ¶4. (C) Maoist agreement to scale back their original plans for an airport blockade suggests that they are open to international pressure. Observers suggest that the Maoists intend to use these demonstrations as a bargaining tool. Moreover, the relative absence of more serious violence may suggest Maoists are open to a compromise solution to end Nepal's ongoing political stalemate. Similarly, Prime Minister M.K. NEPAL recently stated in public that he would like to reach a compromise with the Maoists, noting that cooperation among the political parties was essential to completing the terms of the peace process. In addition, the Maoists have decided to postpone their planned third round of demonstrations, pending attempts to reach consensus, according to Embassy Kathmandu reporting. ¶5. (C) Overall, there has been little progress in achieving the core commitments of the peace process. The Maoists have delayed the discharge of approximately 4,000 disqualified personnel, almost 3,000 of whom are minors. Furthermore, three years after the signing of the CPA, approximately 19,000 Maoist combatants remain in cantonments. Despite the resumption of the Special Committee and the Technical Committee meetings, no agreement has been achieved on the future of Maoist army personnel. In addition, the constitution drafting process is falling farther and farther behind schedule. -------------- SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS -------------- ¶6. (U) Embassy Kathmandu is requested to approach the GON to note our concerns drawing on the following talking points: We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing political stalemate in Nepal, which threatens to undermine the peace process, and increases the risk of unintended violence. We strongly urge the Government of NEPAL to demonstrate maximum flexibility in reaching a political agreement with the Maoists. Instead of fighting for short term political gain, it is time for the leaders to exercise leadership and reach consensus on completing the peace process and drafting a new constitution. STATE 00119813 002 OF 002 The United States and the international community remain committed to helping the people of NEPAL in their efforts to complete the peace process. Nevertheless, the UNMIN mandate is not indefinitely extendable, particularly without measurable progress. With the January request for renewal of UNMIN,s mandate approaching, there is urgent need for all parties to work together to make demonstrable progress on the peace process. ¶7. (U) Embassy Kathmandu is further requested to approach the Maoists to convey the following talking points: We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing political stalemate in Nepal, which threatens to undermine the peace process, and increases the risk of unintended violence. We join with the UN and others in condemning the continued shutdown of parliament and protests in Kathmandu. Such actions are unhelpful to the peace process and raise questions about your party's commitment to democracy. Strikes and shutdowns have a severe, negative impact on the people of Nepal, whom you purport to represent. The United States would like to expand our engagement with the Maoist party and build greater understanding. Yet, these types of tactics only reinforce negative perceptions of your party, and make engagement more difficult. We strongly urge you to demonstrate maximum flexibility in reaching a political agreement with the other main political parties. Instead of fighting for short term political gain, it is time for the leaders to exercise leadership and reach consensus on completing the peace process and drafting a new constitution. The United States and the international community remain committed to helping the people of NEPAL in their efforts to complete the peace process. Nevertheless, the UNMIN mandate is not indefinitely extendable without measurable progress. With the January request for renewal of UNMIN,s mandate approaching, there is urgent need for all parties to work together to make demonstrable progress on the peace process. ¶8. (U) Embassy New Delhi is requested to approach the GOI to convey the following talking points: We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing political stalemate in Nepal, which threatens to undermine the peace process, and increases the risk of unintended violence. We strongly support Nepal's fledgling democracy, and reject the continuing Maoist protest tactics. We are delivering a message to the Maoists this week expressing our deep concern about their behavior. However, during this critical transition period, we believe Nepal's political leaders must demonstrate maximum flexibility in reaching a political agreement with the Maoists. Without Maoist involvement in the political process, it will be difficult to conclude the peace process and finalize the drafting of the new constitution. We would welcome the Government of India's views on the situation in NEPAL and the role the United States, the UN, and the international community can play to help the parties in NEPAL overcome the current impasse. POINT OF CONTACT ¶9. (U) Please contact Peter McSharry at (202) 647-1115 or via email for any necessary further background information regarding this action request. CLINTON