Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
05DAMASCUS6226 | 2005-11-29 13:07:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Damascus |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. |
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 DAMASCUS 006226 |
1. Summary: Syrian papers today reported in banner headlines FM Shara's address at the Euro-Med Summit in Barcelona and carried the full text of the final communique of the conference. Papers also reported FM Shara's meeting with Lebanese FM Al-Saniora in which Shara said that Syria has opened a new page in its relations with Lebanon and that the Shebaa Farms are Lebanese territory. Syrian papers also continued to focus on the story of the masked witness Husam in the Al-Hariri assassination, citing the press conference held in Damascus in which he disclosed more details about his arrest by Lebanese intelligence and his false testimony. Headlines also featured statements by some Lebanese figures demanding dismissal of Lebanese Minister of Interior Al-Saba' and the arrest of Lebanese journalist Fares Al-Khashan. Headlines also cited an acknowledgement by the International Investigation Commission that it had listened to Husam's testimony. End of summary. 2. Selected Headlines: "Husam reports in a press conference details on forcing him to give false testimony: I was exposed to temptation, bargaining and torture. I met twice with Saed al-Hariri, who directed me to cooperate with Khashan. Confused reactions by the forged testimony crew. Speculation about the position of Lebanese judiciary towards detainees. The International Investigation Commission acknowledges hearing the masked witness. Other masks are expected to fall. The witness shows readiness to appear before an international court. Wahab [former Lebanese Minister] calls for dismissal of Al-Saba' and arrest of Khashan, and warns against a gang that is exploiting Lebanese establishments and apparatus to serve its interests" (Government-owned Al-Thawra, 11/29) "The masked witness exposes more details about the conspiracy to implicate Syria in the Al-Hariri assassination. A group of politicians dictated information to him and arranged for him to go to Vienna. The car of the masked witness is found near Lebanese customs. Lebanese calls to dismiss the Lebanese Minister of Interior Al-Saba' and to arrest Khashan" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th, 11/29) "On behalf of President Asad, FM Shara delivers a speech to the Euro-Mediterranean Summit held in Barcelona. The Summit voices commitment to achieve a just, comprehensive peace in the Middle East in accordance with the principles of the Madrid conference. Mr. Shara discusses latest regional developments with King Juan Carlos of Spain, and meets Lebanese Premier Al-Saniora and other senior officials in Barcelona" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/29) "Protests and sit-ins continue in the Syrian provinces in rejection of pressure and threats against Syria and in assertion of national unity" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/29) "The UN demands that Al-Jafaari cabinet halt operations in Western Iraq. The Saddam trial is postponed until mid- December" (Government-owned Al-Thawra, 11/29) 3. Editorial Block Quotes: "Will our People Be Relieved?" Dr. Khalaf al-Jarrad, Chief Editor of government-owned Tishreen, commented (11/29): "Syria, through its agreement with the international investigation commission into the Al- Hariri assassination, once again proves, in words and deeds, that it respects international legitimacy and complies with international resolutions and requirements even if it has reservations and substantive observations about some of them, such as Security Council Resolution 1636.... "When Syria insisted on changing the proposed place for questioning the Syrian officials, it proceeded from a deep desire to preserve the dignity of its citizens on the one hand and to safeguard Lebanon's stability and avoid tension and negative repercussions on the other." "The agreement will not prompt Syria to relax, but to demonstrate further vigilance and caution against the plans targeting it...." "Not to Be Charged with Bias" Umar Jaftali, a commentator in government-owned Tishreen, commented (11/29): "The EU took no action against Israel despite a reported British Foreign Office memorandum saying that Israel is working to Judaize Jerusalem through activities that conflict with international law. "We believe that the EU has lost enthusiasm for the memorandum after an Israeli threat to boycott Europe and exclude it from the peace process if any measures were taken against Israel.... "Is it conceivable that the advocates of democracy and human rights retreat after a simple Israeli reprimand and turn into false witnesses with respect of violations of Palestinian human rights...?" "The Barcelona Conference and the Demanded Cooperation" Muhammad Khair al-Jammali, an editorialist in government- owned Al-Thawra, said (11/29): "The success of the Euro- Mediterranean summit is contingent upon a solution to the real problems the Middle East is facing, notably the Israeli occupation of Arab territories and the American occupation of Iraq.... "Some countries want to make terrorism the central issue on the summit's agenda.... The issue of terrorism is very important and must be confronted, but the fact is that terrorism is an effect, not a cause, and its definition is controversial. "Arabs reject terrorism, but the double-standard policy toward issues of the region does not help solve the problem.... "If controversial issues are solved, Euro-Mediterranean cooperation will be a model of civilized interaction and an element of regional and international stability." Seche |