JERUSALEM MEDIA REACTION (03/10): PALESTINIANS HOPE FOR

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 JERUSALEM 000446

SIPDIS

STATE PASS BBG
STATE FOR NEA, NEA/IPA, NEA/PPD
WHITE HOUSE FOR PRESS OFFICE, SIT ROOM
NSC
CMC WASHINGTON DC FOR POLAD

JERUSALEM ALSO FOR ICD
LONDON FOR HKANONA AND POL - TSOU
PARIS ALSO FOR POL
ROME FOR MFO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL KMDR KPAL KWBG KPAO IS
SUBJECT: JERUSALEM MEDIA REACTION (03/10): PALESTINIANS HOPE FOR
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION

--------------
Main Stories:
--------------
All papers lead with news of Palestinian "reconciliation dialogue"
that began in Egypt on March 10 under "active Egyptian sponsorship
and participation." Papers describe statements by Palestinian
groups participating in the talks as optimistic and hopeful that
reconciliation will occur and a new Palestinian Authority (PA)
national unity government will be formed. Factions also expressed
hopes for PLO reform and fixing a date for PA legislative and
presidential elections, noting that all elements would be part of
one comprehensive agreement that would be reached in the next ten
days.
Al Quds' and Al Hayat Al Jadida's front pages report that Islamic
Jihad in Gaza has accused Hamas of arresting 10 of its members for
firing rockets at Israel. Hamas released the members after they
signed a document promising not to fire more rockets on Israel,
reporting notes. In other Gaza news, Al Ayyam runs a front page
Reuters report on statements by the Palestinian Authority Monetary
Authority Governor warning that Gaza banks will soon run out of cash
because of Israel's refusal to allow cash into Gaza.
Al Quds' front page reports on a recent poll, highlighting results
showing that if an election were held for Palestinian Authority (PA)
President today, Marwan Barghouthi of Fatah would receive 61%
percent of the vote and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyah would win 34%.
Neither the headline nor the lead paragraph of the story state the
other key finding of the poll: If presidential elections were held
between PA President Mahmud Abbas and Haniyah, Abbas would receive
45% of the vote (down from 48% three months ago),and Haniyah would
receive 47%(up from 38% three months ago).

All front pages report that the humanitarian aid convoy, led by
British MP George Gallaway, entered Gaza on March 9. The reports
quotes Gallaway expressing support for, "the elected Palestinian
Authority Premier" Ismail Haniyah of Hamas, and explaining that the
convoy will deliver the assistance directly to Haniyah.

Al Ayyam's front page, and an inside page of Al Hayat Al Jadida
report that Israeli authorities have decided to "confiscate" 142
acres in Bilin, Kharbatha Bani Hareth and Dir Qadis villages near
Ramallah, and 50 acres in Yatta village near Hebron in the West
Bank. In related reporting, Al Quds and Al Ayyam front page a DPA
report quoting French Foreign Minister Kouchner stating that Israeli
settlement policies are hindering the establishment of a viable,
contiguous Palestinian state. Kouchner also called on Hamas to adopt
the Arab peace initiative and noted that Hamas has yet to take the
path of peace.

Al Ayyam's front page and an inside page of Al Quds run a report and
photo of "extremist Jews" being escorted by Israeli police on a tour
of the Aqsa mosque compound where they "performed some religious
ceremonies" on March 9. According to reporting, Muslim visitors
objected to the tour, but were prevented by Israeli police from
approaching the Jewish group.
Al Hayat Al Jadida and Al Ayyam's front pages and an inside page of
Al Quds run an AFP story about the Israeli human rights group "Yesh
Din" calling on Israel to halt mining in the West Bank, calling the
operations a violation of human rights and destruction of the
environment.
Al Hayat Al Jadida runs a caricature on an inside page showing Uncle
Sam with two faces: One that is lecturing a new Palestinian
government to abide by several conditions, including recognizing
Israel and denouncing terrorism, and a second face that is anxiously
telling an "Israeli extremist rightwing" government that "we will

JERUSALEM 00000446 002 OF 002


deal with any elected Israeli government."
Al Ayyam runs an inside report about a March 9 meeting between U.S.
Consul General Jacob Walles and Palestinian Authority (PA) Jerusalem
Governor Hussayni, and officials from the Palestinian Presidency and
Premier's office. The Palestinians briefed Walles on Israeli
settlement activities and house demolitions in Al Bustan, Sheikh
Jarrah, Ras Khmays and the Old City neighborhoods of Jerusalem.
They also expressed appreciation for the message delivered by
Secretary Clinton in her speech during the joint press conference
with PA President Abbas in Ramallah. The Palestinian officials also
demanded that greater pressure be put on Israel to reopen
Palestinian social, cultural and economic institutions in Jerusalem.
The paper mistakenly reports that the briefing took place during a
tour by Consul General Walles of East Jerusalem neighborhoods.

Syrian President Al Assad says that peace with Israel is possible,
but that normalization can only come after the Palestinian-Israeli
conflict is solved, Al Ayyam's front page reports. Assad also
called on Palestinians to coordinate with Syria in peace
negotiations with Israel, "so that we can help the Palestinians,"
the paper concludes, citing wire coverage of a UAE-based dailies
interview with Assad.
All papers note the invitation of Palestinian Authority President
Abbas to the regularly scheduled Arab summit in Doha. The report
also reports that a smaller summit will be held first as part of the
ongoing Arab reconciliation efforts. --------------
BLOCK QUOTES:
--------------

1) Al Quds' editorial is titled, "Today must be decisive"(03/10):
"The Palestinian people hope that today, March 10, [start of unity
talks] will be a decisive day in ending division once and for all.
They reject that any obstacles or impediments should be allowed to
prevent [unity] and will hold those parties that seek to obstruct
progress responsible.

2) Basim Abu Sumaya editorializes in Al Hayat Al Jadida under the
title, "Aladdin's government"(03/10): "Should Hamas insist on
rejecting the two-state solution, the conflict will erupt once more
and make PLO reform and security force reform difficult..."

WALLES