Damascus Media Reaction: Syria/Senegal, Syria/Oman, Syrian

UNCLAS DAMASCUS 005304 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/Senegal, Syria/Oman, Syrian NPF meeting, Lebanon, Iraq, Bush/Olmert, Rumsfeld Resignation (11/14) ¶1. Summary: Syrian papers today (Nov. 14) reported that President Abdullah Wad of Senegal received an oral message from President Asad on bilateral relations and regional and international developments. The message was conveyed by Minister of Information Dr. Mohsen Bilal. The Senegalese president described Syria's role in establishing peace in the Middle East as "important and active." President Wad expressed gratitude to Syria's President and people for the assistance given to the Senegalese community during the recent Israeli aggression on Lebanon. Papers also reported Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Miqdad's visit to Oman carrying a message from President Asad to Sultan Qaboos on Arab coordination on developments in Iraq and Palestine. Papers also reported a meeting by the Central Command of the National Progressive Front which was briefed by Vice-President Shara on Arab, regional and international situations. The Central Command strongly accused some Lebanese parties of being affiliated with foreign powers to facilitate imposing their hegemony on Lebanon and isolating and marginalizing Lebanon's active popular and political powers. It also praised the Palestinian consensus on forming a national unity government, describing it as "a right step towards enhancing the internal front and foiling attempts to incite civil strife and sedition." The Central Command also emphasized that US forces are facing a serious dilemma in Iraq, which will oblige the US to reconsider its strategy, adding that the mid-term elections in the U.S. revealed a drastic shift in US public opinion regarding the Iraq war. End of summary. ¶2. Selected Headlines: "The President of Senegal receives a message from President Asad conveyed by Information Minister Bilal and says that Syria has a positive and distinguished role in the region" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Foreign Minister Mouallem reviews Syrian-US relations and substantive humanitarian topics with Pastor Rick Warren" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Washington and London underscore the importance of starting dialogue with Syria. [Austrailian PM] Howard acknowledges that Syria and Iran are part of the equation of stability in the region. Blair: The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the essence of the Middle East crisis" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th 11/14) "Iranian President hails Syria's positions and underlines, during a meeting with Speaker of Syria's People Assembly, the deep-rooted ties between Syria and Iran" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Al-Saniora government insists on ratifiying the international tribunal single-handedly. President Lahoud: What has been done is worth nothing and contradicts the Lebanese constitution. General Auon: Ratification of the draft for the international tribunal means nothing. Resigned ministers, MPs and other Lebanese personalities: The current status of the government is illegal; the February 14th forces have caused the dialogue to fail" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Israeli researchers: Fragmenting Iraq is a strategic guarantee for Israeli interests" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Four US soldiers killed, four others wounded in Iraq. The security situation in Iraq heads towards further deterioration" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Bush assures Olmert of continuing US support of Israeli after the Democrats' victory. Talks tackle the situation in Lebanon and Palestine. Full agreement about Iran" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th, 11/14) ¶3. Editorial Block Quotes: -------------- "Responsibility for the Massacre" -------------- Muhammad Khair al-Jammali, an editorialist in government-owned Al-Thawra, wrote (11/14): "The United States, through its veto against a draft UNSC resolution condemning Israel, showed itself a partner in the massacre that Israel committed in Bait Hanoun.... Through this unjust position, the US Administration violates the most fundamental rules of justice and logic, places itself in the position of open hostility toward Arabs.... It turns its back on international will and unanimity in condemning the aggression and recent Israeli aggression on Lebanon. Papers also reported Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Miqdad's visit to Oman carrying a message from President Asad to Sultan Qaboos on Arab coordination on developments in Iraq and Palestine. Papers also reported a meeting by the Central Command of the National Progressive Front which was briefed by Vice-President Shara on Arab, regional and international situations. The Central Command strongly accused some Lebanese parties of being affiliated with foreign powers to facilitate imposing their hegemony on Lebanon and isolating and marginalizing Lebanon's active popular and political powers. It also praised the Palestinian consensus on forming a national unity government, describing it as "a right step towards enhancing the internal front and foiling attempts to incite civil strife and sedition." The Central Command also emphasized that US forces are facing a serious dilemma in Iraq, which will oblige the US to reconsider its strategy, adding that the mid-term elections in the U.S. revealed a drastic shift in US public opinion regarding the Iraq war. End of summary. ¶2. Selected Headlines: "The President of Senegal receives a message from President Asad conveyed by Information Minister Bilal and says that Syria has a positive and distinguished role in the region" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Foreign Minister Mouallem reviews Syrian-US relations and substantive humanitarian topics with Pastor Rick Warren" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Washington and London underscore the importance of starting dialogue with Syria. [Austrailian PM] Howard acknowledges that Syria and Iran are part of the equation of stability in the region. Blair: The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the essence of the Middle East crisis" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th 11/14) "Iranian President hails Syria's positions and underlines, during a meeting with Speaker of Syria's People Assembly, the deep-rooted ties between Syria and Iran" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Al-Saniora government insists on ratifiying the international tribunal single-handedly. President Lahoud: What has been done is worth nothing and contradicts the Lebanese constitution. General Auon: Ratification of the draft for the international tribunal means nothing. Resigned ministers, MPs and other Lebanese personalities: The current status of the government is illegal; the February 14th forces have caused the dialogue to fail" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Israeli researchers: Fragmenting Iraq is a strategic guarantee for Israeli interests" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Four US soldiers killed, four others wounded in Iraq. The security situation in Iraq heads towards further deterioration" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Bush assures Olmert of continuing US support of Israeli after the Democrats' victory. Talks tackle the situation in Lebanon and Palestine. Full agreement about Iran" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th, 11/14) ¶3. Editorial Block Quotes: the massacre.... "The Arab weakness results from the lack of real Arab solidarity against Israel and the United States.... If Arabs really want to regain their prestige and deter the aggression against them, they must return to solidarity and speak with the United States in the language of interests.... -------------- "US Policy and Neo-Conservative Traps" -------------- Dr. Khalaf al-Jarrad, chief editor of government-owned Tishreen, wrote (11/14): "Donald Rumsfeld's dismissal was a practical recognition on the part of the US president of the failure in Iraq and of the serious impasse US national security is facing in the Middle East. recent Israeli aggression on Lebanon. Papers also reported Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Miqdad's visit to Oman carrying a message from President Asad to Sultan Qaboos on Arab coordination on developments in Iraq and Palestine. Papers also reported a meeting by the Central Command of the National Progressive Front which was briefed by Vice-President Shara on Arab, regional and international situations. The Central Command strongly accused some Lebanese parties of being affiliated with foreign powers to facilitate imposing their hegemony on Lebanon and isolating and marginalizing Lebanon's active popular and political powers. It also praised the Palestinian consensus on forming a national unity government, describing it as "a right step towards enhancing the internal front and foiling attempts to incite civil strife and sedition." The Central Command also emphasized that US forces are facing a serious dilemma in Iraq, which will oblige the US to reconsider its strategy, adding that the mid-term elections in the U.S. revealed a drastic shift in US public opinion regarding the Iraq war. End of summary. ¶2. Selected Headlines: "The President of Senegal receives a message from President Asad conveyed by Information Minister Bilal and says that Syria has a positive and distinguished role in the region" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Foreign Minister Mouallem reviews Syrian-US relations and substantive humanitarian topics with Pastor Rick Warren" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Washington and London underscore the importance of starting dialogue with Syria. [Austrailian PM] Howard acknowledges that Syria and Iran are part of the equation of stability in the region. Blair: The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the essence of the Middle East crisis" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th 11/14) "Iranian President hails Syria's positions and underlines, during a meeting with Speaker of Syria's People Assembly, the deep-rooted ties between Syria and Iran" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Al-Saniora government insists on ratifiying the international tribunal single-handedly. President Lahoud: What has been done is worth nothing and contradicts the Lebanese constitution. General Auon: Ratification of the draft for the international tribunal means nothing. Resigned ministers, MPs and other Lebanese personalities: The current status of the government is illegal; the February 14th forces have caused the dialogue to fail" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Israeli researchers: Fragmenting Iraq is a strategic guarantee for Israeli interests" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Four US soldiers killed, four others wounded in Iraq. The security situation in Iraq heads towards further deterioration" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Bush assures Olmert of continuing US support of Israeli after the Democrats' victory. Talks tackle the situation in Lebanon and Palestine. Full agreement about Iran" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th, 11/14) ¶3. Editorial Block Quotes: "The Bush administration is facing serious problems in its preemptive war policy and its semi-total submission to the extremist ideas and visions offered by figures and study centers that are fully committed to Israel's positions on the issues of the region. "Removing Donald Rumsfeld from the Defense Department will not solve the problem of the US Administration in Iraq and the Arab region in general, because 'Israel's gang' in American decision-making centers, which was the ideological and strategic driving force behind the occupation of Iraq and which sees Iraq as the base for movement toward 'redrawing the map of the entire region' and establishing the so-called New Middle East, will not stop 'inventing' ideas and finding strategic and tactical alternatives to serve the Zionist entity under the guise of serving the higher national interests of the United States.... recent Israeli aggression on Lebanon. Papers also reported Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Miqdad's visit to Oman carrying a message from President Asad to Sultan Qaboos on Arab coordination on developments in Iraq and Palestine. Papers also reported a meeting by the Central Command of the National Progressive Front which was briefed by Vice-President Shara on Arab, regional and international situations. The Central Command strongly accused some Lebanese parties of being affiliated with foreign powers to facilitate imposing their hegemony on Lebanon and isolating and marginalizing Lebanon's active popular and political powers. It also praised the Palestinian consensus on forming a national unity government, describing it as "a right step towards enhancing the internal front and foiling attempts to incite civil strife and sedition." The Central Command also emphasized that US forces are facing a serious dilemma in Iraq, which will oblige the US to reconsider its strategy, adding that the mid-term elections in the U.S. revealed a drastic shift in US public opinion regarding the Iraq war. End of summary. ¶2. Selected Headlines: "The President of Senegal receives a message from President Asad conveyed by Information Minister Bilal and says that Syria has a positive and distinguished role in the region" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Foreign Minister Mouallem reviews Syrian-US relations and substantive humanitarian topics with Pastor Rick Warren" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Washington and London underscore the importance of starting dialogue with Syria. [Austrailian PM] Howard acknowledges that Syria and Iran are part of the equation of stability in the region. Blair: The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the essence of the Middle East crisis" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th 11/14) "Iranian President hails Syria's positions and underlines, during a meeting with Speaker of Syria's People Assembly, the deep-rooted ties between Syria and Iran" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Al-Saniora government insists on ratifiying the international tribunal single-handedly. President Lahoud: What has been done is worth nothing and contradicts the Lebanese constitution. General Auon: Ratification of the draft for the international tribunal means nothing. Resigned ministers, MPs and other Lebanese personalities: The current status of the government is illegal; the February 14th forces have caused the dialogue to fail" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Israeli researchers: Fragmenting Iraq is a strategic guarantee for Israeli interests" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Four US soldiers killed, four others wounded in Iraq. The security situation in Iraq heads towards further deterioration" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Bush assures Olmert of continuing US support of Israeli after the Democrats' victory. Talks tackle the situation in Lebanon and Palestine. Full agreement about Iran" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th, 11/14) ¶3. Editorial Block Quotes: "Will the failure in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Lebanon, and the Democratic control of the House of Representatives and Senate, serve as a reason and opportunity for comprehensive revision of, and the return of rationalism and balance to, US foreign policy? Or will the administration of President Bush remain hostage to the plans and scenarios of the neoconservatives, the supporters of Israel, and the theorists of 'creative instability'? And will the administration, consequently, become more deeply enmeshed in the labyrinths of metaphysical visions and the illusions of imperial hegemony at the expense of stability, security, and a peace based on interests, mutual respect, and the right of nations to adhere to their own options and national and cultural identities, especially their legitimate right to resist invaders and colonialists and reject the logic of foreign dictates, the language of force, and the ideology recent Israeli aggression on Lebanon. Papers also reported Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Miqdad's visit to Oman carrying a message from President Asad to Sultan Qaboos on Arab coordination on developments in Iraq and Palestine. Papers also reported a meeting by the Central Command of the National Progressive Front which was briefed by Vice-President Shara on Arab, regional and international situations. The Central Command strongly accused some Lebanese parties of being affiliated with foreign powers to facilitate imposing their hegemony on Lebanon and isolating and marginalizing Lebanon's active popular and political powers. It also praised the Palestinian consensus on forming a national unity government, describing it as "a right step towards enhancing the internal front and foiling attempts to incite civil strife and sedition." The Central Command also emphasized that US forces are facing a serious dilemma in Iraq, which will oblige the US to reconsider its strategy, adding that the mid-term elections in the U.S. revealed a drastic shift in US public opinion regarding the Iraq war. End of summary. ¶2. Selected Headlines: "The President of Senegal receives a message from President Asad conveyed by Information Minister Bilal and says that Syria has a positive and distinguished role in the region" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Foreign Minister Mouallem reviews Syrian-US relations and substantive humanitarian topics with Pastor Rick Warren" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Washington and London underscore the importance of starting dialogue with Syria. [Austrailian PM] Howard acknowledges that Syria and Iran are part of the equation of stability in the region. Blair: The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the essence of the Middle East crisis" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th 11/14) "Iranian President hails Syria's positions and underlines, during a meeting with Speaker of Syria's People Assembly, the deep-rooted ties between Syria and Iran" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Al-Saniora government insists on ratifiying the international tribunal single-handedly. President Lahoud: What has been done is worth nothing and contradicts the Lebanese constitution. General Auon: Ratification of the draft for the international tribunal means nothing. Resigned ministers, MPs and other Lebanese personalities: The current status of the government is illegal; the February 14th forces have caused the dialogue to fail" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Israeli researchers: Fragmenting Iraq is a strategic guarantee for Israeli interests" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Four US soldiers killed, four others wounded in Iraq. The security situation in Iraq heads towards further deterioration" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Bush assures Olmert of continuing US support of Israeli after the Democrats' victory. Talks tackle the situation in Lebanon and Palestine. Full agreement about Iran" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th, 11/14) ¶3. Editorial Block Quotes: of expansion, occupation, and hatred racism?" -------------- "A Visit at a Useless Time" -------------- Ibrahim Shuqayr, a commentator in government-owned Al-Ba'th, wrote (11/14): "Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is visiting Washington after Israel's loss of the war in Lebanon and the political crisis that this created in Israel, and after the US veto at the Security Council and the defeat of the Republican Party in the midterm elections. Olmert, who is also facing charges of corruption, a sharp decline in popularity, and a possible collapse of his government coalition, is trying to suggest that he can offer something in peace negotiations with Palestinians.... "Can the staggering Bush restore US credibility in the world and end recent Israeli aggression on Lebanon. Papers also reported Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Miqdad's visit to Oman carrying a message from President Asad to Sultan Qaboos on Arab coordination on developments in Iraq and Palestine. Papers also reported a meeting by the Central Command of the National Progressive Front which was briefed by Vice-President Shara on Arab, regional and international situations. The Central Command strongly accused some Lebanese parties of being affiliated with foreign powers to facilitate imposing their hegemony on Lebanon and isolating and marginalizing Lebanon's active popular and political powers. It also praised the Palestinian consensus on forming a national unity government, describing it as "a right step towards enhancing the internal front and foiling attempts to incite civil strife and sedition." The Central Command also emphasized that US forces are facing a serious dilemma in Iraq, which will oblige the US to reconsider its strategy, adding that the mid-term elections in the U.S. revealed a drastic shift in US public opinion regarding the Iraq war. End of summary. ¶2. Selected Headlines: "The President of Senegal receives a message from President Asad conveyed by Information Minister Bilal and says that Syria has a positive and distinguished role in the region" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Foreign Minister Mouallem reviews Syrian-US relations and substantive humanitarian topics with Pastor Rick Warren" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Washington and London underscore the importance of starting dialogue with Syria. [Austrailian PM] Howard acknowledges that Syria and Iran are part of the equation of stability in the region. Blair: The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the essence of the Middle East crisis" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th 11/14) "Iranian President hails Syria's positions and underlines, during a meeting with Speaker of Syria's People Assembly, the deep-rooted ties between Syria and Iran" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Al-Saniora government insists on ratifiying the international tribunal single-handedly. President Lahoud: What has been done is worth nothing and contradicts the Lebanese constitution. General Auon: Ratification of the draft for the international tribunal means nothing. Resigned ministers, MPs and other Lebanese personalities: The current status of the government is illegal; the February 14th forces have caused the dialogue to fail" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Israeli researchers: Fragmenting Iraq is a strategic guarantee for Israeli interests" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Four US soldiers killed, four others wounded in Iraq. The security situation in Iraq heads towards further deterioration" (Government-owned Tishreen, 11/14) "Bush assures Olmert of continuing US support of Israeli after the Democrats' victory. Talks tackle the situation in Lebanon and Palestine. Full agreement about Iran" (Government-owned Al-Ba'th, 11/14) ¶3. Editorial Block Quotes: the double-standard policy, especially toward the Palestinian cause, through pressure on Olmert to drive him to enter into effective and serious negotiations with Palestinians to advance the peace process and end the Israeli blackmail of Washington, especially after the retreat of the American plan in the region, the fall in the Iraqi quagmire, and the recent regional and international changes that did not serve the interests of the United States, and, consequently, of Israel? Or will Olmert's visit merely be an attempt to escape from domestic troubles by burying the roadmap and the peace process, intensifying settlement activity, annexing more Palestinian lands, and imposing Israeli diktats?" Corbin