US embassy cable - 05KATHMANDU2218

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KATHMANDU 002218 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR SA/INS 
NSC FOR GREEN 
LONDON FOR POL: BELL 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/07/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, PTER, PINS, NP 
SUBJECT: EU TROIKA SEES STRONG RISK OF POLITICAL COLLAPSE 
 
 
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Elisabeth Millard. Reasons 1.4 b 
/d. 
 
Summary 
------- 
 
1. (U) An October 6 statement on Nepal released by a European 
Union (EU) Troika noted that unless all involved moved 
quickly to address the country's problems effectively, there 
was a "strong risk" of political collapse.  The Troika called 
on those in Nepal who wanted peace "to act now." 
Specifically, it suggested that the political parties prepare 
for a future role in a democratically elected government by 
recognizing and correcting past mistakes; urged His Majesty's 
Government of Nepal (HMGN) to reach out to the political 
parties, to return to multi-party democracy, and ensure 
security forces respect human rights; and called on the 
Maoists to put a definitive end to violence and acts of 
terrorism, while welcoming the Maoist's unilateral 
cease-fire.  It opined that there might be a role for 
third-party support in brokering and monitoring a formal 
cease-fire.  The Nepali Congress Party (NC) issued a 
statement after leader GP Koirala's meeting with the Troika, 
welcoming the visit and the European Parliament's recent 
resolution in support of peace and democracy in Nepal.  End 
Summary. 
 
Situation Worsening 
-------------------- 
 
2. (U) The EU Troika which visited Kathmandu from October 
4-6, led by Mr. Tom Phillips, FCO Director for South Asia and 
Afghanistan, representing the Presidency of the EU, with 
representatives from Austria (next EU President), the 
European Commission, and the EU's High Representative for 
Common Foreign and Security Policy, said the situation in 
Nepal had worsened since a Troika visit to Nepal in December 
2004.  There was a "strong risk" of political collapse. 
After meeting with political leaders, representatives of 
HMGN, members of civil society, and the international 
community, including the Ambassador, the Troika concluded 
that concerned parties had "no time to waste" to stop the 
situation from deteriorating even further. 
 
King Must Reach Out 
------------------- 
 
3. (U) Though they did not meet with the King, who was out of 
the capital visiting Western Region towns, the Troika called 
his February 1 move "self-defeating," and noted that events 
in 2005 "have darkened the prospect" for a resolution to the 
armed conflict and political crisis.  It called on the King 
to reach out to political parties and for security forces to 
respect human rights and tackle the "prevailing culture of 
impunity."  It opined that there might be a role for 
third-party support in brokering and monitoring a formal 
cease-fire.  The EU also supported peaceful demonstrations by 
political parties and welcomed their efforts to maintain a 
common platform.  In addition it urged the Parties to pursue 
transparency and accountability.  The Troika called on the 
Maoists to shun violence and acts of terrorism, noting that 
continuing extortion, abductions and other human rights 
abuses, as well as disruptions of development work, "must 
also cease immediately."  The statement highlighted that the 
Maoists "should be under no illusion: the EU absolutely 
rejects the use of violence." 
 
HMGN Disagrees, but Parties Welcome Troika Statement 
--------------------------------------------- ------- 
 
4. (C) Vice Chairman Tulsi Giri told the Ambassador on 
October 7 that he had met with the Troika but disagreed with 
their statement.  He said he did not understand what they 
meant by "political collapse."  In an October 5 statement 
following his meeting with the Troika, NC leader GP Koirala 
noted that restoration of peace and democracy, an end to 
violence, and an end to an autocratic monarchy was "his final 
mission in life."  He welcomed the Troika visit and noted 
that the role of a "neutral and credible third party," 
supported by key regional and global players, was "crucial 
for ending violence," conducting elections and restoring full 
democracy and peace.  Separately, UML Standing Committee 
member Jhala Nath Khanal told Emboff that the Troika 
statement was fair and balanced. 
Comment 
5. (C) We are encouraged by the balanced Troika statement. 
Tom Phillips and his team clearly understood the importance 
of including both a firm call for reconciliation and an 
unequivocal condemnation of Maoist violence. 
MORIARTY