Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03AMMAN3905
2003-06-30 10:57:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Amman
Cable title:  

MEDIA REACTION ON MIDDLE EAST

Tags:  KMDR JO 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS AMMAN 003905

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARN, NEA/PA, NEA/AIA, INR/NESA, R/MR,
I/GNEA, B/BXN, B/BRN, NEA/PPD, NEA/IPA FOR ALTERMAN
USAID/ANE/MEA
LONDON FOR GOLDRICH
PARIS FOR O'FRIEL

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: KMDR JO
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON MIDDLE EAST

Summary

-- Lead story in all papers today, June 30, is the
visit to the region of U.S. National Security Advisor
Rice. Reports also highlight the agreed "truce" of
Palestinian militant groups and the Israeli withdrawal
from Gaza. Papers also highlight a "new American
military offensive" against continued "resistance" in
Iraq.

Editorial Commentary

-- "Condoleezza Rice: she might succeed where men have
failed"

Daily columnist Sultan Hattab writes on the op-ed page
of semi-official, influential Arabic daily Al-Rai
(06/30): "By signing a joint document declaring the
truce and handing it to the Palestinian government,
the Palestinian factions have taken a correct step
towards supporting Palestinian legitimacy. They have
provided this government with an opportunity to
present the Palestinian cause once more in a light
that would win the world's understanding for the
urgency of finding a political solution that would
enable the Palestinian people to restore their rights
and establish their state. This agreement saves Abu
Mazen's government, first and foremost, but also
protects the Palestinian factions, whom Israel wants
to see disagree so that it can pursue them and kill
their leaders.. The United States seems now to be
more interested in the roadmap, in removing all
obstacles that stand in its way, particularly Israeli
obstacles, and in implementing the agreement with
equality and balance. This is clear from Ms. Rice's
visit to the region and her successful meeting with
Mahmoud Abbas."

-- "Washington's objection to building the dividing
wall: the beginning of a practical stand"

Semi-official, influential Arabic daily Al-Rai (06/30)
editorializes: "Reports leaked by the Israeli media
about the heated discussion between Advisor
Condoleezza Rice and the Sharon government show a
relatively more understanding American position
towards the nature of the Palestinian-Israeli
conflict.. Washington's stand now indicates America's
seriousness to handle the conflict in accordance with
the roadmap, which seems to be the final opportunity
to salvage the peace process."
GNEHM