Asad, Cousseran, Lebanon, Bush/ME Peace, Iraq, Palestinian

UNCLAS DAMASCUS 000730 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR PA, NEA/ARN, INR/IC/CD, INR/R/MR:STHIBEAULT AND JMCCARTER, VOA NEWS CA, NEA/PPD:CBOURGEOIS, AZAIBACK, AND AFERNANDEZ, IIP/G/NEA-SA MDAVIDSON WHITE HOUSE FOR NSC CENTCOM FOR CCPA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMDR PREL KPAO OPRC SY SUBJECT: Asad, Cousseran, Lebanon, Bush/ME Peace, Iraq, Palestinian Territories (7/18) ¶1. Summary: President Asad's oath-taking ceremony and speech at the People's Assembly on July 17 was the main topic in Syrian papers on July 18. Banner headlines were dedicated to the speech, which was carried in its entirety. President Asad said that "Syria has emerged stronger a fter facing challenges" and that "these challenges have sharpened Syria's potentials." He confirmed that what protects Syria and preserves its stability are not its resources or material potentials but all aspects of its rich moral heritage, particularly the pan-Arab aspect and its correct political positions. Asad expressed hope that the Palestinian brothers will agree on a national project in the face of the Israeli occupation, stressing Syria's readiness to perform her duties and exert every effort possible with the brothers in order to reach that end. President Asad added that "what Iraq is witnessing of national and human tragedies in light of the occupation troops' incapability to ensure the minimum limit of security, must be a good lesson to all those who ignore the realities of the region, and think that stability can be attained by foreign troops." Asad stressed that the solution lies in the achievement of national reconciliation through dialogue with the participation of all Iraqis, and on the basis of a timetable for withdrawing occupation troops. President Asad stressed Syria's solidarity with the Iraqi people, extending every possible help to them. Papers also reported that French envoy on Lebanon Jean-Claude Cousseran arrived in Damascus on July 17 and is expected to meet with President Asad on July 18, and will meet with VP Shara and FM Mouallem regarding French efforts to find a solution to the Lebanese crisis before deciding whether to travel directly to Cairo, where he is supposed to hold coordination meetings with Amr Mousa and Egyptian officials, or to Beirut. On Middle East peace, independent al-Watan reported that the International Quartet will convene in Lisbon on July 19 to define Tony Blair's mission, and also cited Egypt's demand to make the Arab Peace Initiative a basis for the international conference on Middle East peace proposed by President Bush. End of summary. ¶2. Selected Headlines: "A speech of optimism and confidence: I will be one of you, working for your interests, breathing with the blessing of God and the satisfaction of the people. Our steadfast Golan is in my heart and I am sure of its return to the motherland Syria. Our priority is for the living conditions of Syrian citizens. Commitment to the resistance is a guarantee for the future of the nation and its pride. Negotiations with Israel require guarantees on the restoration of the entire Golan. National belonging that unites and does not divide is the motto of our policy. Challenges have made us stronger and sharpened our potentials. I call on you to be optimistic.... Invaders will perish. We will maintain our heritage and identity. 2007 is a decisive year, and the remaining months will decide the future of the region and the whole world" (Government-owned Al-Thawra, 7/18) "Cousseran arrives in Damascus" (Independent al-Watan, 7/18) "France succeeds to some extent in restoring its political importance in the region. Damascus a sensitive phase in the Arab-international move to solve the Lebanese crisis" (Independent al-Watan, 7/18) "Split among Palestinians over Bush's new proposal on peace. Ten Palestinians injured in clashes with Egyptian security forces in Sinai" (Independent al-Watan, 7/18) "Arabs call for making the Arab Peace Initiative a basis for the peace conference proposed by President Bush" (Independent al-Watan, 7/18) "France supports an international conference on final status in Palestinian territories" (Independent al-Watan, 7/18) "Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema warns of the negative consequences of Western policy on Hamas" (Government-owned Al-Thawra, 7/18) "Ban Ki-Moon proposes facilitation of peace talks between Israel and Syria" (Independent al-Watan, 7/18) "Rice: We are ready for direct negotiations with Iran over Iraq" (Government-owned Al-Thawra, 7/18) ¶3. Editorial Block Quotes: -------------- "Al-Asad Takes the Oath" -------------- An unsigned commentary in government-owned Al-Ba'th said (7/18): "President Asad took the constitutional oath for another seven-year term in office and delivered a comprehensive speech on the domestic situation and Syria's positions on Arab and international issues.... "President Asad did not need to recall the achievements of the past seven years because the Syrian people made the assessment themselves and unanimously voted for the president and pledged to support his wise and courageous leadership.... "President Asad managed the political game wisely and competently, foiled the wagers of 'creative chaos' and its relevant alliances, and upset the calculations of the aggressors [on Lebanon] last July.... Syria today begins a new stage toward further openness, democratic participation, and the building of the institutionalized state.... It will continue to shoulder its responsibilities and defend national and Arab principles...." -------------- --- "Political Contradictions and Banquets of Lying" -------------- --- Ali Qasim, a commentator in government-owned Al-Thawra, wrote (7/18): "There are tragic ironies in the US policy .... President Bush stated that he rejects withdrawal from Iraq so that Hizbollah will not prevail in Lebanon. "In principle, the withdrawal of occupation forces from any inch of Arab land is undoubtedly a victory for all those who reject occupation. But for the link to be established by President Bush in such a blatant way leaves a host of important signals for understanding the dimensions of the American plan in the region, whether in Iraq, Lebanon, or Palestine...." -------------- "Will Bush Wake Up?" -------------- Ghazi al-Dada, a commentator in government-owned Tishreen, wrote (7/18): "President Bush continues to mislead the American people and to challenge the will of the overwhelming majority of Americans when he talks about progress in Iraq despite the horrible destruction of that country and the growing losses among US troops.... "We wonder if Bush will wake up, even if late, and withdraw his troops from Iraq and leave the Iraqis to manage their own affairs by themselves.... "But even if Bush decides to follow in the footsteps of Tony Blair and order a troop withdrawal, the Zionist circles might not allow him to do that." Corbin