US embassy cable - 04KATHMANDU1695

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 001695 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR INR/R, R/MR, I/RW, I/REC; PA, SA/PPD 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OPRC, KMDR, NP, Maoist Insurgency 
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: Nepal insurgency 
 
"Talks and no talks" 
Editorial in the pro-India "Himalayan Times" (E/D, 8/24): 
"If the developments since Sher Bahadur Deuba became the 
prime minister nearly three months ago are any guide, the 
peace process is nowhere near being started despite claims 
to the contrary. The cabinet meeting late last week 
concluded that it was the lack of seriousness on the 
Maoists' part that has prevented the talks from taking 
place.  The CPN-UML, the largest constituent of the 
coalition, had joined the government with its one point 
agenda of restoring the peace through talks.  But the 
other day its deputy prime minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari 
warned that the government would come down hard on the 
Maoists, referring to their actions like the present 
blockade." 
 
 
"On the contrary, the rebels and certain political 
quarters, including the parties in the `anti-regression 
movement,' have alleged that the government has paid only 
lip-service to the peace talks but has in fact been bent 
on further militarization.  For example, they point to the 
lack of any confidence-building measures being taken by 
the government as well as to its stand that any political 
settlement has to be within the existing constitutional 
framework.  The government's attitude and the Maoists' 
blockades, shutdown of business firms and violence do not 
seem to give any sign of hope.  Moreover, the government 
has not thought it necessary to explain to the people what 
proposal it had put forward, what stand the Maoists had 
taken, and why the peace process has not got off the 
ground." 
 
"On their part, the Maoists seem unwilling to come to the 
negotiating table unless they receive a positive 
indication from the establishment in favor of a 
constituent assembly, their central demand.  In fact, 
talks for the sake of talks hold no meaning, except 
raising the public expectations, only to be punctured soon 
afterwards.  Moreover, the government may have been unable 
to convince the rebels that it has the authority to grant 
constituent assembly and then implement the agreement. 
Meanwhile, conflicting statements from ministers - for 
example, one says that se cret consultations with the 
rebels are on, another says no such consulations are 
taking place, and still another says something entirely 
different - have only given the impression that the 
government is confused at best.  But, for a lasting peace, 
there does not seem to be a better alternative to seeking 
a solution even if it means going beyond the existing 
legal framework, provided that it is democratic.  Then 
only will it be clear whether the Maoists are sincere 
about their stands." 
 
MORIARTY