US embassy cable - 02KATHMANDU1645

C O N F I D E N T I A L KATHMANDU 001645 
 
SIPDIS 
 
LONDON FOR POL/RIEDEL 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/22/2012 
TAGS: PREL, LICC, NP 
SUBJECT: NEPAL: MORE ON BILATERAL AGREEMENT TO PROTECT 
CITIZENS FROM INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT 
 
REF: A. STATE 157638 
 
     B. KATHMANDU 1416 
     C. STATE 135262 
 
Classified By: DCM Robert K. Boggs, Reasons 1.5(b),(d) 
 
1. (C) Foreign Secretary Madhu Raman Acharya on August 23 
told DCM that Nepal has no disagreement with the USG's views 
on the International Criminal Court (ICC).  Acharya was 
clearly well informed about US views and interest in signing 
bilateral accords against surrendering each other's citizens 
to the ICC, as we explained at the Joint Secretary level on 
July 17 (Ref B).  However, he said, Nepal was "not fond of 
making agreements," and thus would have to deliberate further 
before signing. 
 
2. (C) Nepal has two main reservations about the ICC, Acharya 
explained.  First, Nepal has concerns about the legal 
liability of the Commander in Chief, who in Nepal's case is 
its King.  (Note:  The King of Nepal is not only sovereign, 
he is also traditionally considered to be an incarnation of a 
Hindu god, Vishnu.  End Note.)  Second, Nepal was worried 
that the ICC could compromise its sovereignty, no small 
matter for a small country like Nepal, Acharya emphasized. 
 
3. (C) Embassy will continue to press the GON to sign the 
draft bilateral agreement. 
MALINOWSKI