MEDIA REACTION: ISRAEL DENIES PEACE; ISRAEL'S DIPLOMATIC

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000145 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: ISRAEL DENIES PEACE; ISRAEL'S DIPLOMATIC ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN; AGITATING LEBANON'S YOUTH ¶1. SUMMARY: Editorials in government-owned "Oman" called for Palestinian unity and a more active Arab role in the peace process. "Oman" also called on Lebanon's political parties to stop inciting Lebanese youth to violence. Private Arabic daily "Al-Watan" called on Palestinians and other Arabs to unify against Israeli's campaign portraying Palestinians as aggressors and not victims of war. END SUMMARY. -------------- BEWARE AND UNITE AGAINST ISRAEL -------------- ¶2. Government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" (circulation 38,000) said on February 14 that Israel is not looking for peace, as seen by its continuing to expand illegal settlements despite all international laws and conventions. "Israeli Settlements and Alleged Peace" said: "Israel has built more than 1000 residential units in East Jerusalem, the intended Palestinian capital. This proves that Israel is not looking for peace. Settlement projects are totally unacceptable, and they are the equivalent of robbery committed in broad daylight. The Israeli government has, for more than six decades, insisted on confiscating Palestinians lands and property despite all international laws and legislation. Olmert's government has crossed all limits and is using the conflict between Hamas and Fatah to continue its confiscations. A solution must be found before Israel gains control of more land. Palestinians must beware and unite against Israel's plans before they lose more. -------------- DIPLOMATIC "ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN" -------------- ¶3. On February 15, the privately owned Arabic daily "Al-Watan" (circulation 42,000) criticized Israel's attempt to garner international support by displaying for foreign diplomats the damage from Hamas "rockets". According to "Invading Gaza and Letting Chances Go": "Israel started an international diplomatic advertising campaign to win international support and to justify attacking Gaza. Israel toured foreign ambassadors and diplomats around Israeli villages, claiming that Israel had no other option except an invasion of Gaza. Israel never runs out of excuses, and its political and media power may successfully convince international powers of these lies. Israel is profiting from conflict and division among the Palestinians and Arabs to sell its excuses." -------------- DELIBERATE AGITATION OF LEBANON'S YOUTH -------------- ¶4. On February 18, "Oman" criticized the escalation of conflict among Lebanese youth. "Containing Disturbance in Lebanon is Every Party's Responsibilities" said: "For the past few days, many Lebanese parties have used aggressive language when criticizing opponents, which has increased tension among youth factions. As a result, teenagers are roving neighborhoods seeking fights that have resulted in many dead and wounded. The Lebanese army can control the situation, which may erupt if not contained. As we have seen, these conflicts can easily spread. For the safety of Lebanon, and to avoid a repeat of the 1970's civil war, Lebanese parties must calm their rhetoric and stop deliberately agitating Lebanon's youth." GRAPPO