MUSCAT MEDIA REACTION: TSUNAMI, PALESTINIAN ELECTIONS

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000056

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/ARPI (TROBERTS),NEA/PPD (CWHITTLESEY)
DEPT ALSO FOR NEA/P (FFINVER),INR/R/MR
LONDON FOR GOLDRICH
PARIS FOR ZEYA
USCENTCOM FOR PLUSH
FOREIGN PRESS CENTER/ASILAS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO KMDR OIIP MU
SUBJECT: MUSCAT MEDIA REACTION: TSUNAMI, PALESTINIAN ELECTIONS
AND IRAQI COMMITMENT


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Covering Tragedy
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1. The government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" published an
editorial on January 6 entitled "Media Compassion And The Tsunami
Crisis":

"We should note the outstanding coverage that the Western media
gave to the tsunami crisis. It was more than just a headline.
They offered 24-hour coverage of the aftermath of the tsunami.
For days, we heard reports about the crisis and received
information about how we could provide assistance. Coverage
included the addresses and contact information for humanitarian
organizations involved in helping victims of the tragedy.... On
the other hand, coverage of the catastrophe was superficial in
the Arab media. The Arab press sent very few correspondents to
cover the crisis as if it had happened on another planet. How
can the Arab media expect to compete internationally with CNN and
other networks if it focuses on local news, and when a huge event
like the tsunami happens it does not know how to report it?"

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Electing A Leader
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2. On January 8, privately owned Arabic daily "Al-Watan" carried
an editorial under the title "A Test that is Set to Succeed":

"Palestinians are going through a unique moment in their
history.... Through their vote, Palestinians will demonstrate
that despite obstacles imposed by Israel, they can elect their
leaders in free, direct and democratic elections. This should
put to rest Israel's claim that it does not have a true partner
for peace."

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Supporting Iraq
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3. The daily newspaper "Oman" published on January 8 an editorial
entitled "A Strong Commitment to Iraq":

"The summit of countries neighboring Iraq that was held recently
in Jordan was--without exaggeration--a truly significant event
because all of Iraq's neighbors participated in it and because
each of the nations expressed its strong commitment to rebuilding
the country. If the countries keep their word, they will rise
above their differences to help establish a stable Iraq. To do
this, they must refrain from interfering in Iraq's internal
affairs.... The summit was also important because all
participants called upon Iraqis to take part in the upcoming
election, indicating that none of Iraq's neighbors support
postponing them."
BALTIMORE