MEDIA REACTION: INDIA-BANGLADESH RELATIONS,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 000059 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-BANGLADESH RELATIONS, SINO-INDIA RELATIONS, PALESTINE / ISRAEL; 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-BANGLADESH RELATIONS -------------- ¶1. "BANGLADESH COMES CLOSER," editorial in January 13 right-of-center Hindi daily, AMAR UJALA: "Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's India visit this week was remarkable for the manner in which contentious issues were set aside and points of agreement worked on. Sheikh Hasina has had a close relationship with India and we must reciprocate that trust and warmth. The only problem is that in Bangladesh the administration changes every 5 years. It is always a seesaw between Hasina and her rival Khaleda Zia. If Khaleda comes back, as she is likely to, then she obviously will want to lean toward Pakistan like before." ¶2. "INDIA'S CHANCE TO BETTER RELATIONS WITH BANGLADESH," op-ed in January 14 centrist Marathi daily, SAKAAL: "India needs healthy bilateral relations with Bangladesh. Nepal is reeling under Maoism, not to forget the dominating presence of China. In this context, terrorist networks operating from Bangladesh can be controlled if India-Bangladesh ties are strengthened. It will be one less problem for India." -------------- SINO-INDIA RELATIONS -------------- ¶3. "CHINESE ATTEMPTS TO GRAB INDIAN LAND," editorial in January 13 right-of-center Urdu daily RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "Border disputes are becoming significant irritants in Sino-India relations. India's strategy to stop Chinese incursions is not clear as yet. Our patience and restraint is laudable, but ignoring such disputes cannot be justified." -------------- PALESTINE / ISRAEL -------------- ¶4. "ISRAEL, PALESTINE AND EGYPT," editorial in January 13 right-of-center Urdu daily HINDUSTAN EXPRESS: "It is a shame that Egypt too has joined Israel in Palestine's blockade. The day Israel hoisted its flag on the Aqsa mosque was the most shameful day for the Muslim world." ¶5. "INTENTIONS OF ISRAEL," editorial in January 13 right-of-center Urdu daily HAMARA SAMAJ: "Egypt is extending its cooperation to Israel at the nod of the U.S. It also stopped British relief to Palestinians, and arrested the relief workers. This attitude of Egypt explicitly shows that it is hand in gloves with Israel in suppressing poor Palestinians. It is clear that Israel is busy realizing its dream of a Greater Israel. NEW DELHI 00000059 002 OF 002 It will never retreat at any cost. This Israeli attitude is an impediment in the way of world peace." ROEMER