US embassy cable - 02KATHMANDU1774

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KATHMANDU 001774 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR SA/INS 
LONDON FOR POL - RIEDEL 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/11/2012 
TAGS: PTER, PGOV, NP, Maoist Insurgency 
SUBJECT: NEPAL'S GOVERNMENT DISMISSES AS INSINCERE MAOIST 
LEADER'S OFFER OF CEASEFIRE 
 
 
Classified By: POL PMAHONEY.  REASON:  1.5(B,D). 
 
1.  (U)  On September 11 Maoist leader Prachanda issued a 
press statement calling for a ceasefire.  The statement does 
not refer to the U.S. directly, but contains a general 
condemnation of the Government of Nepal (GON) "running to buy 
weapons to kill people."  Should the GON proceed with its 
plan to hold elections, the statement threatens further 
violence.  An unofficial English translation of the release 
follows in Para 3 below. 
 
2.  (C)  The statement is generally regarded by most 
journalists and media outlets as authentic.  Prime Minister 
Sher Bahadur Deuba told the Ambassador September 12 that he 
does not regard the offer as sincere, noting that the 
insurgents typically follow up an attack with a spurious 
olive branch.  If and when the Maoists extend a genuine offer 
to cease their violent activities and resume dialogue, Deuba 
said the Government's door would be open (septel). 
 
3.  (U) Begin text of unofficial translation: 
 
Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) Central Committee Press 
Statement 
 
Our party has appealed several times to end the present civil 
war through the process of peace talks and a positive 
political solution.  But since the appeal was firmly 
rejected, the revolutionary warriors of the People's 
Liberation Army have proved their superiority against the 
hired guns of the feudal power with the successful, brave 
attacks at Sindhuli in the east and Arghakhanchi in the west. 
 This military protest has clearly showed the whole nation 
the indomitable and predetermined victory of the great 
people's war and the inevitable decline and defeat of the 
feudal murderers.  This nationwide protest is a strong 
expression of the hatred of the masses toward the royal army 
terror.  For the successful and courageous attacks at 
Sindhuli and Arghakhanchi, our party offers a revolutionary 
salute with heartfelt praise to the warriors of the People's 
Liberation Army and the masses.  Homage is also offered to 
the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the process of 
revolutionary transformation. 
 
We would like to make it clear that our party, along with 
other political parties, human rights organizations, 
associations, intellectuals and the general public were in 
favor of dialogue and a peaceful political solution.  The 
feudal murderers plotted one conspiracy after another.  The 
dissolution of Parliament and running to buy weapons to kill 
people have made clear the criminal activities of the feudal 
murderers.  In this regard, the state of emergency makes no 
difference to the royal army spreading terror throughout the 
population.  That is why our party has continued its military 
and political programs and activities. 
 
However, if the present ruling power is prepared for a 
positive and peaceful solution, then we are ready for a 
ceasefire and to take part in the process of peace talks. 
But we would also like to make clear that, if the massacre is 
continued under the guise of a mid-term poll and propaganda, 
then we are prepared for stronger military actions.  The 
feudal murderers and their supporters will have to bear the 
responsibility for the result of such action.  We will try to 
solve the problem through a positive political solution to 
avoid such a situation.  But if compelled, we will fight to 
the end. 
 
11 September 2002 
 
Prachanda 
Chairman 
NCP (Maoist) 
 
End text of unofficial English translation. 
 
4.  (C)  We share the PM's skepticism about the sincerity of 
this offer.  Prachanda has issued other statements making 
direct and indirect allusions to resuming dialogue that have 
proven hollow.  Maoist attacks over the past week have 
already raised doubts in nearly all quarters that the 
November 13 elections can proceed as scheduled.  The threat 
of even more violence if election preparations proceed could 
make the case for postponing the polls, advocated by some, 
even stronger. 
MALINOWSKI