Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BEIRUT560
2009-05-19 14:07:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Beirut
Cable title:
Lebanon: Media Reaction - May 19, 2009
how-toO 191407Z MAY 09 FM AMEMBASSY BEIRUT TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4926 NSC WASHDC PRIORITY ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE PRIORITY EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE PRIORITY USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY USMISSION USNATO PRIORITY CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL//CCPA PRIORITY
UNCLAS BEIRUT 000560
STATE FOR NEA/ELA - LAWSON, NEA/ELA - IRWIN, NEA/PPD, R,
INR/R/MR, INR,NSC - SHAPIRO, MCDERMOTT
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
SUBJECT: Lebanon: Media Reaction - May 19, 2009
Atmospherics:
--------------
Despite the Lebanese media's preoccupation with the elections, the
meeting between President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu was a
front page story in all newspapers. The media seemed sympathetic to
the American President "who has a vision" and wants to reach a
"two-state solution" as soon as possible. Newspapers focused on the
contradiction between the two leaders. An editorialist expressed
the belief that President Obama will do everything he can to "keep
the Israeli beat under control."
Selected Headlines
--------------
"Obama and Netanyahu Collided With the Two-States Solution"
Moderate, anti-Syrian An-Nahar
"Obama Presses Netanyahu on Two-State Solution" English-language
Beirut-based The Daily Star
Block Quotes:
--------------
"Obama and Netanyahu: Which Formula Will Win?" an editorial by Aouni
Al-Ka'aki in pro-Hariri Ash-Sharq (5/19):
"The meeting between...Obama and Netanyahu is very important because
its...impact will determine the future, particularly the future of
the peace process in the region. ...Both leaders' statements showed
contradictions in their visions: Obama believes in the two-state
solution while Netanyahu seems to have an indecisive plan and
obviously rejects Obama's vision. ...During President Clinton's
tenure, there were also contradictions between the United States and
Israel. At that point in time, Netanyahu was decisive about
refusing the American plans and was able to obstruct them. ...Now,
the circumstances are different and Netanyahu might not be able to
obstruct President Obama's vision and plans. This was obvious
because following his meeting with Obama, his statements seemed
ambiguous and not clear. He said that he has a plan but did not
explain it. In fact, the Israelis are in dire need of historic
leadership. Neither Netanyahu nor Olmert are historic leaders
...Perhaps the American President will not be able to impose his
vision on the Israelis, ...however, it is believed that the
Americans will do everything they can to keep the Israeli beat under
control. ...This may take a long time, though, and time is not in
any party's interests."
Sison