Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06DAMASCUS3289
2006-07-05 12:54:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Damascus
Cable title:
Damascus Media Reaction: Palestinian Territories, Iraq,
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UNCLAS DAMASCUS 003289
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: Palestinian Territories, Iraq,
Lebanon (7/4-5)
UNCLAS DAMASCUS 003289
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: Palestinian Territories, Iraq,
Lebanon (7/4-5)
1. Summary: Syrian papers reported that President Asad headed a
meeting of the National Progressive Front, during which he
reiterated Syria's support of the Palestinian people and
confirmed efforts to make their national dialogue a success. Asad
said, "Syria stands with full force at the side of the Arab
Palestinian people in their ordeal as they face the oppressive
Israeli machine." President Asad emphasized backing the political
process and development of relations with Iraq on the basis of
securing Iraq's national unity and achieving withdrawal of the
occupation forces, expressing Syria's readiness to extend all aid
in this respect.
Further on the Palestinian issue, papers reported that President
Asad received a telephone call from UN Secretary General Kofi
Annan which focused on developments in the Palestinian arena and
efforts to lift the siege and end the Palestinian people's
sufferings, and cited a lecture delivered by Faysal Miqdad,
Deputy Foreign Minister, at the Cultural Center in Deraa Province
on Tuesday 4 July, confirming that Syria will always take the
side of the Palestinian people and support their just cause. The
Deputy Minister touched upon the US policies which seek to
implement the Greater Middle East project, calling it "the
illusion through which the USA aims to annihilate the Arab
personality and impose Israel on the region." Miqdad criticized
recent statements by John Bolton, US Ambassador to the UN, saying
that "Bolton's extremist positions confirm US bias towards Israel
on every occasion." Miqdad stressed that Syria will also stand by
the Lebanese people, pointing to the great sacrifices Syria has
offered for Lebanon. He also said, "Syria is concerned about the
Iraqi people, who have been suffering greatly because of the US
occupation," and underlined Syria's keenness for Iraq's national
unity.
End of summary.
2. Selected Headlines:
"President Asad receives a telephone call from UN Secretary
General Annan on the latest developments in the Palestinian
arena, and heads a meeting of the National Progressive Front:
Israeli accusations make us more committed to our rights and
positions. With all its power, Syria takes the side of
Palestinians. We support the political process in Iraq on the
basis of national unity" (Government-owned Al-Thawra, 7/4)
"Two Palestinians killed, four injured in the Israeli invasion of
northern Gaza. Israel ignores the deadline set by captors of the
Israeli soldier and stresses: Our goal goes beyond freeing the
Israeli soldier" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/4)
"Arab and international mediations collide with Israeli
stubbornness. Israeli Prime Minister Olmert gives the green light
to invade Gaza" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th, 7/4)
"Killing of two US soldiers and scores of Iraqis in Baghdad,
Mahmoudiya and Mosel" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/4)
"Deputy Foreign Minister Miqdad: Syria stands by the Palestinian
people's side and supports their legitimate causes.... Statements
by John Bolton, the US Ambassador to UN, reflect the American
bias to Israel" (Government-owned TIshreen, 7/5)
"British Prime Minister Blair expects a massive withdrawal from
Iraq within 18 months. President Bush: A timetable for withdrawal
is an insult to our soldiers" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th, 7/5)
"One Palestinian killed in an Israeli incursion into Jenin.
Israeli forces bombard the Islamic University in Gaza. Israel
links the establishment a Palestinian state to the destiny of the
Israeli kidnapped soldier. The Palestinian authority calls on the
UN Security Council to stop the Israeli aggression" (Government-
owned Tishreen, 7/5)
"Lahoud warns against striking at the bases of Lebanese
reconciliation. Former Lebanese Minister of Defense Abdul-Rahim
Murd: The February 14 team has become bankrupt; it endeavors to
distort the role of an international tribunal" (Government-owned
Al-Thawra, 7/5)
3. Editorial Block Quotes:
--------------
"Contradictions of the US Age"
--------------
Ali Qasim, an editorialist in government-owned Al-Thawra, wrote
(7/4): "UN SecGen Kofi Annan was unable to denounce or condemn
the Israeli aggression on Gaza. His position was, to say the
least, regrettable and shameful for the international
organization and the international community, which has turned
into a negative spectator unconcerned with what is happening....
"The UN Secretary General's call for a halt to the destruction of
the Palestinian infrastructure was yet another proof of the
political fragility that governs the international position. It
is as though the infrastructure is more important than the souls
that are being killed, besieged, and starved by tanks and
aircraft....
"This is an age of American contradiction, where people justify
the aggression or remain silent about it, and where the capturing
of a soldier while practicing aggression and occupation becomes
the world's chief concern...."
--------------
"A Whole People against One Prisoner"
--------------
Omar Jaftali, and editorialist in government-owned Tishreen,
wrote (7/4): "It is shameful that those who call themselves
leaders of the free world and claim to be the champions of
democracy are turning a blind eye to Israel's flagrant terrorism
and employing themselves for the defense of one Israeli while
intentionally ignoring the tragedy of an entire people and not
giving any attention to their just cause....
"It is surprising that everyone in the world is advising
Palestinians to release the Israeli soldier immediately or
threatening them if they do not do, while no one is discussing
the reasons for the problem and the state terrorism that the
Israeli occupation forces and Olmert's government are
practicing...."
-------------- --
"A Series of Crises, and the Route to Damascus"
-------------- --
Salim Abbud, a commentator in government-owned Al-Thawra, wrote
(7/4): "Damascus' doors have been and will remain open to the
Lebanese, but not through the power of international pressure or
UN resolutions, which are the product of American and Israeli
efforts and desires....
"The Lebanese team that derives power from foreigners does not
want to enter Damascus with a spirit of brotherhood and a desire
to establish fraternal relations. This team applauded the anti-
Syria international resolutions and everything that harmed
Syria....
"This team harmed Lebanon and all Lebanese who reject the
separation of Lebanon from Syria, because Lebanon cannot exercise
its sovereignty, Arabism, and cohesion with its geographic and
historical environment by transcending Damascus...."
--------------
"The United States Must Arrest John Bolton"
--------------
As'ad Abbud, a columnist in government-owned Al-Thawra, wrote
(7/4): "The United States wants Syria to arrest Khalid Mish'al,
hand over many Palestinians, silence Hizbollah's guns, and send
its army to attack the resistance in Iraq....
"This does not reflect recognition of Syria's action and
ability. No, never, because when it comes to 'attacking the
forces that resist the occupation of our countries,' Syria will
take no action; no one in Syria can consider this. But it
reflects recognition of the usefulness of the course of
opposition to American plans, a line adopted by the peoples of
the region and various leaderships in it: Syria, Iran, HAMAS and
all Palestinian resistance forces, Hizbollah, and all those who
reject this political and military invasion of the region, and
they are numerous....
"John Bolton called on Syria to arrest Khalid Mish'al.... He
believes we are nothing more than a policeman guarding the doors
of his administration, which commits crimes against our
peoples....
"Americans want the peoples of the region to fight each other on
their behalf. But although there are 'traitors' in the region,
the peoples of the region cannot do this. They cannot arrest
Khalid Mish'al or Hizbollah's guns or the HAMAS movement or the
Iranian nuclear reactor. They cannot do it because they see all
of these as signs of sustained Arab existence....
"Washington can solve the problem when it offers a peace plan to
end occupation and persecution of nations. Only then will it
win. Let the US arrest those who mastermind sabotage and
aggression in Israel. Let it arrest Ehud Olmert and John
Bolton."
Seche
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: Palestinian Territories, Iraq,
Lebanon (7/4-5)
1. Summary: Syrian papers reported that President Asad headed a
meeting of the National Progressive Front, during which he
reiterated Syria's support of the Palestinian people and
confirmed efforts to make their national dialogue a success. Asad
said, "Syria stands with full force at the side of the Arab
Palestinian people in their ordeal as they face the oppressive
Israeli machine." President Asad emphasized backing the political
process and development of relations with Iraq on the basis of
securing Iraq's national unity and achieving withdrawal of the
occupation forces, expressing Syria's readiness to extend all aid
in this respect.
Further on the Palestinian issue, papers reported that President
Asad received a telephone call from UN Secretary General Kofi
Annan which focused on developments in the Palestinian arena and
efforts to lift the siege and end the Palestinian people's
sufferings, and cited a lecture delivered by Faysal Miqdad,
Deputy Foreign Minister, at the Cultural Center in Deraa Province
on Tuesday 4 July, confirming that Syria will always take the
side of the Palestinian people and support their just cause. The
Deputy Minister touched upon the US policies which seek to
implement the Greater Middle East project, calling it "the
illusion through which the USA aims to annihilate the Arab
personality and impose Israel on the region." Miqdad criticized
recent statements by John Bolton, US Ambassador to the UN, saying
that "Bolton's extremist positions confirm US bias towards Israel
on every occasion." Miqdad stressed that Syria will also stand by
the Lebanese people, pointing to the great sacrifices Syria has
offered for Lebanon. He also said, "Syria is concerned about the
Iraqi people, who have been suffering greatly because of the US
occupation," and underlined Syria's keenness for Iraq's national
unity.
End of summary.
2. Selected Headlines:
"President Asad receives a telephone call from UN Secretary
General Annan on the latest developments in the Palestinian
arena, and heads a meeting of the National Progressive Front:
Israeli accusations make us more committed to our rights and
positions. With all its power, Syria takes the side of
Palestinians. We support the political process in Iraq on the
basis of national unity" (Government-owned Al-Thawra, 7/4)
"Two Palestinians killed, four injured in the Israeli invasion of
northern Gaza. Israel ignores the deadline set by captors of the
Israeli soldier and stresses: Our goal goes beyond freeing the
Israeli soldier" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/4)
"Arab and international mediations collide with Israeli
stubbornness. Israeli Prime Minister Olmert gives the green light
to invade Gaza" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th, 7/4)
"Killing of two US soldiers and scores of Iraqis in Baghdad,
Mahmoudiya and Mosel" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/4)
"Deputy Foreign Minister Miqdad: Syria stands by the Palestinian
people's side and supports their legitimate causes.... Statements
by John Bolton, the US Ambassador to UN, reflect the American
bias to Israel" (Government-owned TIshreen, 7/5)
"British Prime Minister Blair expects a massive withdrawal from
Iraq within 18 months. President Bush: A timetable for withdrawal
is an insult to our soldiers" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th, 7/5)
"One Palestinian killed in an Israeli incursion into Jenin.
Israeli forces bombard the Islamic University in Gaza. Israel
links the establishment a Palestinian state to the destiny of the
Israeli kidnapped soldier. The Palestinian authority calls on the
UN Security Council to stop the Israeli aggression" (Government-
owned Tishreen, 7/5)
"Lahoud warns against striking at the bases of Lebanese
reconciliation. Former Lebanese Minister of Defense Abdul-Rahim
Murd: The February 14 team has become bankrupt; it endeavors to
distort the role of an international tribunal" (Government-owned
Al-Thawra, 7/5)
3. Editorial Block Quotes:
--------------
"Contradictions of the US Age"
--------------
Ali Qasim, an editorialist in government-owned Al-Thawra, wrote
(7/4): "UN SecGen Kofi Annan was unable to denounce or condemn
the Israeli aggression on Gaza. His position was, to say the
least, regrettable and shameful for the international
organization and the international community, which has turned
into a negative spectator unconcerned with what is happening....
"The UN Secretary General's call for a halt to the destruction of
the Palestinian infrastructure was yet another proof of the
political fragility that governs the international position. It
is as though the infrastructure is more important than the souls
that are being killed, besieged, and starved by tanks and
aircraft....
"This is an age of American contradiction, where people justify
the aggression or remain silent about it, and where the capturing
of a soldier while practicing aggression and occupation becomes
the world's chief concern...."
--------------
"A Whole People against One Prisoner"
--------------
Omar Jaftali, and editorialist in government-owned Tishreen,
wrote (7/4): "It is shameful that those who call themselves
leaders of the free world and claim to be the champions of
democracy are turning a blind eye to Israel's flagrant terrorism
and employing themselves for the defense of one Israeli while
intentionally ignoring the tragedy of an entire people and not
giving any attention to their just cause....
"It is surprising that everyone in the world is advising
Palestinians to release the Israeli soldier immediately or
threatening them if they do not do, while no one is discussing
the reasons for the problem and the state terrorism that the
Israeli occupation forces and Olmert's government are
practicing...."
-------------- --
"A Series of Crises, and the Route to Damascus"
-------------- --
Salim Abbud, a commentator in government-owned Al-Thawra, wrote
(7/4): "Damascus' doors have been and will remain open to the
Lebanese, but not through the power of international pressure or
UN resolutions, which are the product of American and Israeli
efforts and desires....
"The Lebanese team that derives power from foreigners does not
want to enter Damascus with a spirit of brotherhood and a desire
to establish fraternal relations. This team applauded the anti-
Syria international resolutions and everything that harmed
Syria....
"This team harmed Lebanon and all Lebanese who reject the
separation of Lebanon from Syria, because Lebanon cannot exercise
its sovereignty, Arabism, and cohesion with its geographic and
historical environment by transcending Damascus...."
--------------
"The United States Must Arrest John Bolton"
--------------
As'ad Abbud, a columnist in government-owned Al-Thawra, wrote
(7/4): "The United States wants Syria to arrest Khalid Mish'al,
hand over many Palestinians, silence Hizbollah's guns, and send
its army to attack the resistance in Iraq....
"This does not reflect recognition of Syria's action and
ability. No, never, because when it comes to 'attacking the
forces that resist the occupation of our countries,' Syria will
take no action; no one in Syria can consider this. But it
reflects recognition of the usefulness of the course of
opposition to American plans, a line adopted by the peoples of
the region and various leaderships in it: Syria, Iran, HAMAS and
all Palestinian resistance forces, Hizbollah, and all those who
reject this political and military invasion of the region, and
they are numerous....
"John Bolton called on Syria to arrest Khalid Mish'al.... He
believes we are nothing more than a policeman guarding the doors
of his administration, which commits crimes against our
peoples....
"Americans want the peoples of the region to fight each other on
their behalf. But although there are 'traitors' in the region,
the peoples of the region cannot do this. They cannot arrest
Khalid Mish'al or Hizbollah's guns or the HAMAS movement or the
Iranian nuclear reactor. They cannot do it because they see all
of these as signs of sustained Arab existence....
"Washington can solve the problem when it offers a peace plan to
end occupation and persecution of nations. Only then will it
win. Let the US arrest those who mastermind sabotage and
aggression in Israel. Let it arrest Ehud Olmert and John
Bolton."
Seche