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. -------------- "FOREIGN POWERS ARE PLAYING WITH ARAB CRISES" -------------- ¶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." -------------- SUDAN: "A VICTIM OF AMBITION" -------------- ¶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." -------------- "HIDDEN HANDS TRYING TO SHAKE THE STABILITY" -------------- ¶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