US embassy cable - 05NEWDELHI5480

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 005480 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/30/2015 
TAGS: PREF, PREL, IN, NP, BT, Bhutan 
SUBJECT: BHUTAN REITERATES COMMITMENT TO DEWEY-WANGCHUCK 
AGREEMENT 
 
REF: A. STATE 126204 
 
     B. STATE 117685 
     C. STATE 106121 
 
Classified By: Charge Bob Blake for Reasons 1.4 (B, D) 
 
1. (C) Summary: The Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB) remains 
committed to resolving the refugee problem using the 
Dewey-Wangchuck framework and is ready to meet with its 
Nepalese counterparts to hash out the modalities of the 
agreement, Bhutanese Ambassador Tshering told us on July 13. 
After receiving A/S Dewey's letter to King Wangchuck (Ref A), 
the Ambassador asserted that Bhutan has attempted to engage 
with Nepal on the issue a number of times, but has been 
"stonewalled" in its attempts.  Tshering was noncommittal on 
Bhutanese plans to continue verification of the remaining six 
camps, restating security concerns.  End Summary. 
 
RGOB Committed to Resolving the Refugee Problem 
--------------------------------------------- -- 
 
2.  (C) Ambassador Tshering underlined that the RGOB is 
committed to resolving the refugee problem and will abide by 
the plan conceived by King Wangchuck during A/S Dewey's 
October 2004 visit to Thimphu.  Tshering expressed 
frustration that he had requested an audience with King 
Gyanendra, as well as meetings with Foreign Minister Pandey 
and a number of other cabinet-level officials in the Nepalese 
government, but has not received a response.  Tshering told 
us that Bhutanese Foreign Minister Wangchuk requested a 
meeting with King Gyanendra during the June 12-16 Second 
South Summit of the G-77 in Doha, but that also was rebuffed. 
 Tshering said the RGOB is frustrated at being "stonewalled" 
in their attempts to meet with the RGON on the issue. 
 
3.  (C) Upon reading A/S Dewey's letter in regards to 
Nepalese Foreign Minister Pandey's willingness to meet, 
Tshering expressed hope that such an encounter would take 
 
SIPDIS 
place.  When PolCouns inquired whether the RGOB would 
immediately repatriate the Category 1 refugees from 
Khudunabari camp if Kathmandu agrees, Tshering responded that 
Thimphu would stand by the Dewey-Wangchuck framework. 
 
Next Steps 
---------- 
 
4.  (C) Tshering commented that the RGOB has not been in 
recent contact with either UNHCR or Kathmandu about 
continuing the Joint Verification Team (JVT) process at the 
other refugee camps in Nepal.  He expressed concern over the 
security situation in the area and logistical problems that 
might hinder future JVT efforts.  Tshering acknowledged that 
a solution to the problem must be found, stating that 
resolution of the issue would create a "win-win situation." 
He concluded that the RGOB has "an open mind" and is ready to 
discuss the issue, but that Nepal seems to have other, more 
pressing, problems to deal with.  We are prepared to move 
ahead, Tshering reiterated, but if the Nepalese government 
feels it must focus on other priorities, Bhutan will respect 
that decision.  PolCouns pressed on A/S Dewey's point that 
resolution of the refugee impasse could help to advance the 
King's priority of moving to a constitutional monarchy. 
Ambassador Tshering did not dispute this point, reaffirming 
his confidence that a solution to the refugee problem is 
within reach. 
 
Comment: Dewey-Wangchuck Framework the Best Way Forward 
--------------------------------------------- ----------- 
 
5. (C) It appears to us that neither Bhutan nor Nepal is 
actively working to resolve the refugee issue and are engaged 
in a game of finger-pointing as to who should make the next 
move.  We should focus our efforts on compelling Bhutan and 
Nepal to meet and implement the Dewey-Wangchuck agreement as 
a way to jump-start the stalled bilateral process.  The 
repatriation of Category 1's from Khudunabari would be an 
important confidence building measure and show refugees that 
return to Bhutan is possible.  The upcoming meetings of SAARC 
and UNGA are both opportunities for the RGOB and RGON to 
discuss the Dewey-Wangchuck plan at senior levels.  As 
mentioned in Reftel C, from 2005 onwards, USG policy is to 
utilize all durable solution, not only repatriation, to 
resolve the refugee issue.  Therefore, resumption of the 
UNHCR profiling surveys, in order to accurately determine the 
wishes of the refugees, should also be high on our agenda. 
BLAKE