OMAN MEDIA REACTION

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000661

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/PPD, NEA/PI, INR/R/MR, NEA/SA/EX/PMO
LONDON FOR NEA WATCHER
PARIS FOR NEA WATCHER
FOREIGN PRESS CENTER FOR NEA WATCHER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KPAO KMDR MU
SUBJECT: OMAN MEDIA REACTION


1. SUMMARY: Arabic daily "Al Watan" wrote twice on the crisis in
Darfur, calling for the establishment of an Arab mechanism for
conflict resolution and praising the Arab Foreign Ministers' intent
to seize initiative. Government daily "Oman" blamed conspirators
for creating regional instability while America and Israel are
preoccupied, then called on all Arab states to work toward peace.
END SUMMARY.

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"FOREIGN POWERS ARE PLAYING WITH ARAB CRISES"
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2. On September 9, private Arabic daily "Al Watan" (circulation
42,000) called on Arab states to establish mechanisms for
reconciliation in the region, warning of foreign influences.
According to "Reconciliation and the Way to Strong Political
Decisions":

"There is a need for Arab states to stimulate reconciliation between
other Arab states; however, it seems that no such mechanism for
reconciliation exists. A problem turns from negotiations about
withdrawal from occupied countries to negotiations to resolve
internal differences. Certain groups keep on accusing Arab
countries, holding them responsible for their internal problems,
which is the case in Lebanon and Syria. In addition, the greed of
foreign countries for Sudan's wealth is deepening the problems
between conflicting parties there. Foreign powers are playing with
Arab crises and problems not to serve Arab states, but to divide
them."

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SUDAN: "A VICTIM OF AMBITION"
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3. On September 11, "Al-Watan" praised the resolution of Arab
Foreign Ministers to address the Darfur problem. "Resolution that
Reflects a State of Awareness and Vigilance" said:

"The Arab Foreign Ministers' decision at the Arab League to address
a solution to the Darfur problem reflects vigilance, awareness, and
a desire to resolve issues that threaten Arab security and
stability. It also prevents foreign hands from manipulating Arab
fates in their own interests. The resolution indicates that Arab
officials realize that relying on others to solve their problems
will not lead to solutions. The crises of some Arab states are the
results of policies of others who wish to fulfill their own
ambitions and interests, not interests of Arab states. The wealth
of this region is the motive behind the ambitions of major powers
that seek to strengthen their economies. Sudan is an unfortunate
victim of this ambition."

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"HIDDEN HANDS TRYING TO SHAKE THE STABILITY"
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4. On September 15, government-owned Arabic daily "Oman"
(circulation 38,000) called on Arab states to invest time now in
building regional peace while America and Israel are preoccupied by
elections. According to "Why Insist On Disturbing the Stability of
the Region?":

"While Israel is choosing a successor for its prime minister and
America is preoccupied with the presidential campaign, it seems that
there is a deliberate act to provoke instability in the region. It
is clear that there are hidden hands trying to shake the stability
of the region: bombings in Lebanon; the return of escalation and
tension in the Gaza Strip; the arguments between Hamas and Fatah;
the announcement of opposition movements in Darfur that will not
cooperate with the Arab League initiative. Fomenting instability
will only widen the gap between the forces behind these acts and
other Arab states that seek peace. Arab states should invest this
time by addressing Arab differences, giving a boost not only to the
Palestinian/Palestinian dialogue, but also to the situation in Iraq,
Darfur, Lebanon, and even Somalia."

GRAPPO