Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06DAMASCUS2733
2006-06-11 13:22:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Damascus
Cable title:  

Damascus Media Reaction: Syria/Bahrain, Syria/UAE,

Tags:  KMDR PREL KPAO OPRC SY 
pdf how-to read a cable
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TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9547
RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHDC IMMEDIATE
RUEHAM/AMEMBASSY AMMAN 6017
RUEHLB/AMEMBASSY BEIRUT 3877
RUEHEG/AMEMBASSY CAIRO 2398
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INFO RUEHNC/AMEMBASSY NICOSIA 6818
UNCLAS DAMASCUS 002733 

SIPDIS


SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR PA, NEA/ARN, INR/IC/CD, INR/S:STHIBEAULT AND
JMCCARTER, VOA NEWS CA, NEA/PPD:CBOURGEOIS, DBENZE AND
AFERNANDEZ, IIP/G/NEA-SA RWINCHESTER
WHITE HOUSE FOR NSC
CENTCOM FOR CCPA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR PREL KPAO OPRC SY
SUBJECT: Damascus Media Reaction: Syria/Bahrain, Syria/UAE,
Syria/Argentina, Palestinian Territories, Iraq, Lebanon (6/9-11)
UNCLAS DAMASCUS 002733

SIPDIS


SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR PA, NEA/ARN, INR/IC/CD, INR/S:STHIBEAULT AND
JMCCARTER, VOA NEWS CA, NEA/PPD:CBOURGEOIS, DBENZE AND
AFERNANDEZ, IIP/G/NEA-SA RWINCHESTER
WHITE HOUSE FOR NSC
CENTCOM FOR CCPA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR PREL KPAO OPRC SY
SUBJECT: Damascus Media Reaction: Syria/Bahrain, Syria/UAE,
Syria/Argentina, Palestinian Territories, Iraq, Lebanon (6/9-11)

1. Summary: Syrian papers reported the visit to Syria by King
Hamad Bin-Isa Al Khalifah of Bahrain and his talks with
President Asad. Both leaders stressed their support for the

Palestinian people's legitimate rights and the establishment of
their independent state, with Jerusalem as its capital, and
called for an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people.
They also stressed their eagerness for security and stability in
Iraq and the region and for foreign threats to be warded off.

Papers also reported the visit to Damascus by former German
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and his meeting with President
Asad, that focused on the Syrian-UAE Economic Forum currently
being held in Damascus and prospects for investment in Syria.
President Asad and Mr. Schroeder stressed that establishing
security in the region will lead to economic revival. The
situations in Iraq and the occupied Palestinian territories, as
well as the issue of terrorism and fighting it, relations
between Europe and the region and Europe's political role in it
were also discussed in the meeting. President Asad discussed
with participants in the Syrian-UAE Economic Forum prospects of
investment in Syria and the role of infrastructure in attracting
investment. The President and participants in the Forum stressed
that Syria has been proceeding with modernization despite the
conditions through which the region is passing. President Asad
was briefed on the visions presented by investors in Syrian
investment projects and how to benefit from the experience of
other Arab countries in this field. The delegation voiced the
UAE's interest in enhancing existing relations with Syria in all
fields, particularly in the economic sector.

Government-owned Tishreen on (6/10) reported a lecture delivered
at the Foreign Relations Institute in Argentina (6/8) by Deputy
Foreign Minister Faisal al-Miqdad, who reviewed Syria's
positions toward the various events and developments in the
Middle East and Syria's pivotal role in the region. Al-Miqdad

said, "it is very clear that the amount of pressure that Syria
is coming under as a result of its firm and principled positions
is in itself an indication of the important role that Syria
plays in the region, a role whose importance goes beyond the
borders of the region." The deputy FM said: "Israel's
persistence in its hostile policies against Palestinians, its
construction of the racial segregation wall, and the tricks in
which its leaders are engaged are aimed at deluding the world
into thinking that this wall is meant only to prevent
individuals from crossing, when the fact is that they consider
this wall, in their unilateral plan, to be the final border." Al-
Miqdad discussed the mistakes of American policy and the
political double standards that the United States pursues in the
region. He said: "Washington's position toward the results of
the recent Palestinian elections shows the shortsightedness and
mistakes of this policy. This also applies to US plans regarding
Iraq and the chaos they have produced." Al-Miqdad stressed
Syria's full readiness to strengthen national cohesion in Iraq
and to establish diplomatic relations with that country. On
relations with Lebanon, Dr. Al-Miqdad said: "Syria offered many
sacrifices to stop the civil war, which destroyed Lebanon's
infrastructure and fragmented its society. Syria sent its Army
for this purpose at the request of the Lebanese themselves."

Government-owned Tishreen featured an official Syrian statement
denying a report published in the Lebanese newspaper Sada al-
Balad on Wednesday (7 June) citing Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz to
the effect that the Syrian PM asked the European Union to
mediate with the Israeli government to resume negotiations on
the Syrian track. Although peace is Syria's strategic option,
the source said, this report is completely baseless and
unfounded. Tishreen also cited a Syrian Foreign Ministry
statement strongly denouncing the massacre that the Israeli
occupation forces perpetrated against innocent civilians on the
Gaza seashore. It also condemned the acts of violence and
aggression that Israel continues to commit against the
Palestinian people. The source urged all concerned Palestinian
leaders to foil this plan through firm adherence to their
national unity.

Government-owned Al-Thawra on (6/9) reported Foreign Minister

Walid al-Mouallem's meeting with Khalid Mish'al, Chairman of the
HAMAS Political Bureau. Talks dealt with the current Palestinian
situation. FM al-Mouallem stressed that the leadership and
people of Syria are eager to make every possible effort to
strengthen Palestinian national unity, lift the unjust siege on
the Palestinian people, and continue support for the Palestinian
democratic option. For his part, Mish'al expressed appreciation
for President Asad's position and efforts to ensure the rights
of the Palestinian people and achieve their national unity. He
stressed that HAMAS is determined to continue with the inter-
Palestinian dialogue on the basis of the Palestinian prisoners'
document and to block every attempt to harm Palestinian national
unity.

End of summary.


2. Selected Headlines:

"Under the patronage of President Asad, the 2nd session of the
Syrian-UAE Economic Forum opens in Damascus. President Asad
reviews with participants in the Syrian-UAE Economic Forum and
former German Chancellor Schroeder prospects for investment in
Syria and the necessity of achieving security and stability in
the region to encourage economic growth. Deputy Prime Minister
for Economic Affairs, Dardari: Syrian economy has achieved
important success. Schroeder: Syria is integrating into the
global economy and German investments will increase. Head of the
Economic Department in Sharja, al-Qasemi: We are interested in
investment in Syria. Al-Abbar, Head of the Board of UAE Immar
Company: The Immar Company has not asked the Syrian government
for any guarantees before launching investment in Syria.
Kuzbari, Member of the Administration Council of the Syrian
Business Council in Dubai, calls for modification of Investment
Law No. 10 of 1991. Shallah, Chairman of Syrian Chambers of
Commerce, calls on expatriates to invest in Syria. The Syrian-UAE
Committee wraps up its activities and calls for eliminating
obstacles and for implementation of agreements" (Government-owned
Tishreen, 6/11)

"President Asad discusses regional developments, issues of common
concern and mutual coordination in all fields with King Hamad of
Bahrain. President Asad and King Hamad emphasize concern about
maintaining Iraq's independence and supporting the Palestinian
people" (Government-owned Al-Thawra, 6/9)

"A message from President Asad to the Argentinean President
conveyed by Deputy FM Faisal al-Miqdad: Syria appreciates
Argentina's support of Arab rights" (Government-owned Tishreen,
6/10)

"Under the patronage of President Asad, activities of the second
Syrian-Emirates Economic Forum kick off today" (Government-owned
Tishreen, 6/10)

"Syria denies asking the EU to mediate for resumption of peace
negotiations on the Syrian track" (Government-owned Tishreen,
6/10)

"Deputy Foreign Minister Miqdad lectures at the Argentinean
Foreign Relations Institute. The amount of pressure on Syria
indicates its important and pivotal role in the region;
Washington's policy is marked by double standards and short-
sightedness" (Government-owned Tishreen, 6/10)

"Foreign minister Mouallem discusses current developments with
Hamas leader Khaled Mish'al: Syria is keen for Palestinian
national unity" (Government-owned Al-Thawra, 6/9)

"A long terrorist day. Israel shells picnickers on a beach in the
northern Gaza Strip. Ten killed, 40 wounded. President of the
Palestinian National Authority Abbas demands UN Security Council
intervention" (Government-owned Tishreen, 6/10)

"Syria denounces the Israeli massacre in Gaza and calls for
enhancing Palestinian national unity" (Government-owned Tishreen,
6/11)

"Palestinians bury their martyrs and call for an end to brutal
Israeli practices" (Government-owned Tishreen, 6/11)
"US troops launch 40 raids. Iraqi PM Al-Maliki: The Iraqi
government has become more dynamic after Al-Zarqawi's death"
(Government-owned Tishreen, 6/10)

"Brammertz, Head of the UN investigation Commission into the
assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Al-Hariri, turns
in his report to UN Chief Annan: Syrian cooperation is positive
and fully satisfactory" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th, 6/11)


3. Editorial Block Quotes:

--------------

"Dangers and A Required Position"

--------------

Isam Dari, an editorialist in government-owned Tishreen, wrote
on (6/10): "The visit to Syria by Bahraini King Hamad Bin
Khalifah Al Thani and the visits by senior Syrian officials to
Arab countries are part of Arab efforts to achieve Arab
solidarity and develop common Arab action. Arabs realize the
threats that the Arab nation is facing, especially since the
enemy no longer hides its intentions and hostility toward the
Arabs. All Arabs agree that Iraq must remain a united country
and that the Palestinian people must regain their rights in
full....

"The Arab situation is undoubtedly difficult and complicated,
requiring the highest level of solidarity, cohesion, and
cooperation in all areas to confront dangers and challenges. All
Arabs are in the same boat and no one of them should tamper with
this boat or shirk the pan-Arab responsibility under the feeble
excuse that he is not threatened or targeted. Israel's security
zone covers all Arab countries and some neighboring countries,
and Tel Aviv leaders have the 'right' to launch aggression
against any Arab country if it merely says that such country
poses a threat to its security and existence...."

--------------

"Al-Zarqawi's Bubble Will Not Last for Long"

--------------

Hanan Hamad, a commentator in government-owned Tishreen, wrote
(6/10): "By killing Al-Zarqawi with half a ton of explosives
dropped by an American bomber on a hideout where he and six
others, including a woman and child, were staying, President
Bush and his administration officials might have succeeded in
diverting attention from the crisis of the President's control
over the administration. But the breath-catching period will not
be long, and the series of scandals will reemerge one after the
other when Al-Zarqawi's bubble breaks, a bubble that the
American media inflated before and after his death to hide the
occupation's responsibility for everything that has been
happening in Iraq since the first American soldier set foot on
Iraqi soil. The occupation has turned Iraq into an arena for
violence and chaos. The legitimate resistance operations against
the foreign presence were distorted when they were confused with
the crimes that terrorists and instigators of sectarian violence
and sedition committed within a plan that the planners of the
American policy did not deny, a plan that they promoted under
the name of 'creative chaos,' which, they believed, would help
them realize their imperial 'Greater Middle East' project....

"When the clamor over the Al-Zarqawi death, which President Bush
described as an object of pride for the American people,
subsides, the spotlight will certainly return to its natural
object: the violations of the occupation and its soldiers. The
joy over the false victory will fade and the criticism of US
domestic and foreign policies will continue to come from every

direction. The officials of the administration and those who are
promoting its policies will return to the defense barricades,
threatening international law and conventions with despotism of
American power. We will again hear threats like those that US
Ambassador John Bolton made on the eve of Al-Zarqawi's death,
when he threatened to stop funding the United Nations because
Deputy Secretary General Mark Malloch dared to criticize US
policy and say that Washington seeks to use the international
organization as a diplomatic instrument and at the same time
fails to defend it.

"The US Administration will return to defend secret and flying
prisons, torture, and violation of the Geneva conventions, and
to disdain the international reports that condemn its
violations. It will defend the war crimes that its soldiers
commit daily and systematically in Iraq by circumventing
international agreements without any embarrassment or
hesitation. And, naturally, the occupation will maintain its
true image, and all attempts to beautify it will fail, no matter
how skillful they may be. But the only victims of all this are
the peoples, security, and stability of this region."

--------------

"Does War Have Any Ethics?"

--------------

Muhammad Ali Buzah, an editorialist in government-owned Al-
Thawra, commented (6/9): "All the noise in the United States
about the ethics of the Iraq war following the revelations of
the Haditha massacre was unable to absorb the wave of anger and
ease the state of tension that prevail in the region and the
Iraqi and international arenas, or to lessen the growing hatred
toward US policy, which adopts confrontation and clash with the
world as its doctrine....

"We doubt that the investigations into the massacre will harm
senior military officials or introduce changes in American
policy.... The US Administration turned Iraq, just like
Palestine and Afghanistan, into fields of experiment and grounds
for death and violation of human dignity. And like its spoiled
baby, Israel, it exercised its sadism and democracy with
brutality and rancorous racism....

"The only way for Washington to save face is to rush to set a
timetable for withdrawal from Iraq and leave the people of this
country, along with the peoples of Palestine, Afghanistan, and
many others, free to determine their future and destiny without
foreign interference and rebuild what the dirty American-Zionist
war has destroyed.... Also, Washington must deal with all
aspects of aggression, coercion, occupation, and genocidal and
cowardly killing of civilians as war crimes that cannot be
forgiven or go unpunished."

--------------

"Useless Controversy"

--------------

Adnan Ali, a commentator in government-owned Al-Thawra, wrote
(6/9): "The controversy in the Palestinian territories over the
prisoners' document is useless because it will have no direct
political impact on the Palestinian situation, especially the
proposed negotiations with Israel....

"The Palestinian debate, which has reached the point of physical
conflict, over the recognition of Israel is taking place at a
time when Israel has finalized its unilateral disengagement plan
and is preparing to implement it publicly.... Israel, in fact,
does not need HAMAS's recognition. Israel itself does not
respect the agreements it signed with the Palestinians. This is
a major trick the Palestinians need to overcome, and they must
focus on building Palestinian national unity based on the
domestic Palestinian agenda, not on foreign suggestions and

dictates...."
Johnson-Casares