MEDIA REACTION: LEBANON, THE UN, AND THE ARAB LEAGUE

UNCLAS MUSCAT 001198

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/PPD, NEA/PI, AND INR/R/MR
STATE PASS USTR FOR N. MOORJANI, J. BUNTIN
LONDON FOR TSOU
PARIS FOR ZEYA
USCENTCOM FOR PLUSH
FOREIGN PRESS CENTER FOR SILAS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KPAO KMDR MU
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: LEBANON, THE UN, AND THE ARAB LEAGUE



1. SUMMARY: Government-owned "Oman" newspaper says UN ceasefire
efforts in Lebanon are insufficient and sees the "Seven-Point
Plan" as an opportunity for Arab unity; privately owned "Al-
Watan" calls the US-French ceasefire plan a mere diplomatic
maneuver and a reward for Israeli "aggression." END SUMMARY.

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BLOCK QUOTES: UN CEASEFIRE EFFORT "NOT ENOUGH"
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2. Government-owned "Oman" (circulation 38,000) editorialized
August 6 about "Light at the End of the Lebanese Tunnel":

"The UN step, though belated, was essential, but it is not enough
to effect a ceasefire. There are certain factors that should be
taken into account should the UN opt for halting violence. These
have already been pointed out by the Lebanese Prime Minister in
his Seven-Point Plan -- which was not far from Hezbollah's views
- such as the idea that as long as there is an Israeli presence
in Lebanon, it is meaningless to talk about a ceasefire."

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UN DRAFT RESOLUTION "A MERE DIPLOMATIC MANEUVER"
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3. "Al-Watan" (privately owned daily, circulation 42,000)
published an August 6 editorial entitled "The French-American
Draft Resolution Will Not Stop the Bloodshed":

"The draft does not treat the roots as well as the symptoms of
the crisis. The proposed international force should be stationed
on equal areas in southern Lebanon and northern Israel. A
ceasefire should be paired with the withdrawal of Israeli troops
from southern Lebanon. The draft also completely dropped the
issue of Lebanese prisoners in Israeli jails, who should be
released in exchange for the two Israeli soldiers. The draft
also did not take into account the Lebanese Government's views.
As such, the draft seems to be a mere diplomatic maneuver that
grants Israel more time to accomplish its plans aiming at
occupying Lebanese territories south of the Litani River, in
addition to deceiving global public opinion that international
efforts, supported by the U.S., were going on."

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ARAB LEAGUE MEETING: "FOIL" UN REWARD OF ISRAELI AGGRESSION
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4. "Al-Watan" continued in the same vein in its August 7
editorial, "Arabs Should Shoulder their Responsibility":

"As was expected, Lebanon refused the French-American resolution
that was proposed for discussion because it does not fulfill
Lebanese interests and is subject to Israeli interests. On the
other hand, America, France, and England were very enthusiastic
about it, for it satisfies Israel's appetite to continue invading
areas of south Lebanon, with no intention to release prisoners of
war. The multinational forces that would be put in the Lebanese
borders would only protect Israel from the attacks of the
resistance. The Foreign Minister's meeting in Beirut should take
decisions that will strengthen Lebanon's political, as well as
strategic position, thus foiling the French-American draft which
aims at rewarding Israel for its aggression."

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SINIORA'S SEVEN-POINT PLAN AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ARAB UNITY
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5. On August 7, "Oman" focused on the Beirut foreign ministers'
meeting in an editorial, "Lebanon Awaits an Arab Response":

"Wounded Lebanon is waiting for the Arab countries to respond to
the Seven-Point Plan announced by Prime Minister Siniora and
backed by some major players in the Arab League... This is an
opportunity for a united Arab stance in support of Lebanon and
its people by helping force the Israelis to cease fire."

GRAPPO