JERUSALEM MEDIA REACTION (03/11): A CALL TO KEEP FAYYAD IN

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SUBJECT: JERUSALEM MEDIA REACTION (03/11): A CALL TO KEEP FAYYAD IN
GOVERNMENT

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Main Stories:
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All papers lead with statements by Egyptian Intelligence Chief
Sulayman and Arab League Secretary General Amr Musa from the
inauguration of Palestinian reconciliation dialogue in Cairo on
March 10. They encouraged Palestinian delegations to do their
utmost to achieve reconciliation and unity as soon as possible and
warned of the "dangerous consequences" of failure. According to
reports, Sulayman stated that if Palestinians agreed on forming a
"national unity" government with all factions represented, he
recommended that, "not so well known" members be seated in order to
ensure international support. The papers also run statements by
Fatah and Hamas delegation members, including Musa Abu Marzoq of
Hamas and Zakarayah Al Agha of Fatah, expressing optimism over the
ultimate success of dialogue. Amr Musa commented to press that
Palestinian reconciliation would form the base for any future Arab
action.

Al Quds' and Al Ayyam's front pages report that the Israeli
Jerusalem municipality issued demolition orders to Palestinian
residents of 11 houses in the East Jerusalem neighborhoods of Bayt
Hanina, Ras Al Amud, Silwan and Shufat. Papers also note that
dozens of demolition orders have also been issued to Bedouins in the
Jaba area near Jerusalem. Reports further add that the Israeli
Jerusalem municipal court has put stay on Israeli orders for
demolishing 55 Palestinian flats in Rash Khmays in Shufat refugee
camp in Jerusalem.

Al Quds' front page runs a report on dozens of American, Muslim and
Arab scholars and activists signing a letter to President Obama
encouraging him to support democratic leaders in the region and not
become concerned over electoral wins by "Islamic movements". The
signatories argue that a majority of "Islamic movements" are
non-violent. The letter was sent ahead of the expected visit by
President Obama to Turkey and notes the importance of U.S. contact
with the Arab and Islamic worlds.

Al Ayyam's front page runs the red-font headline, "Occupation plans
to build a police station adjacent to the Al Aqsa compound's western
side." Reporting explains that the Al Aqsa Waqf and Heritage Trust
revealed the Israeli plans that they consider an Israeli effort to
consolidate control over the mosque compound.
Al Quds' front page runs results from a public opinion poll
conducted by the Arab Research and Development Center (AWRAD) in the
West Bank and Gaza between February 26,28. The poll shows that 64%
of Palestinians object to establishing an alternate body to the PLO,
81% prefer simultaneous Palestinian Authority (PA) presidential and
legislative elections, and if elections were held today, that
possible Fatah candidates, PA President Abbas, Marwan Barghuthi and
Mubadara leader Mustafa Barghuthi would win more votes than Hamas
candidates.
Al Ayyam and Al Hayat Al Jadida front page a report quoting an
unnamed Hamas official revealing accelerated efforts to wrap up a
prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. The report adds
that the Israeli envoy, Ofer Dekel has returned to Cairo.
Al Quds' inside runs a DPA report on Vice President Biden expressing
support for U.S. dialogue with moderates in the Taliban in
Afghanistan. His statements were made following talks in Brussels
with NATO Ambassadors.
All papers run inside reporting on a visit by a USAID delegation to
the Hebron Governorate in the West Bank to discuss USAID development
projects.
Al Quds' runs an inside report about the Israeli army removing a

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road block at the entrance of Bani Naim town near Hebron in the West
Bank. The obstacle had been in place for nine years and was removed
by the Israeli military, reporting adds. --------------
BLOCK QUOTES:
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1) Omar Al Ghul writes in Al Hayat Al Jadida under the title "Why
Salam Fayyad?"(03/11): "There are compelling reasons for naming the
Prime Minister to head any future national consensus government.
But will they [Palestinian factions] stop their nonsense and
boasting about what is beyond their capability, and seize the
political moment and support the choice of a future Salam Fayyad
government?"
2) Al Quds' editorial is titled, "Gaza siege and the Lifeline
convoy"(03/11): "U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently
sent a tough message to the Israeli government calling on the
lifting of limitations on humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.
There are hundreds of trucks waiting at the Kerem Shalom and other
crossings. The Israeli authorities do not allow them to enter Gaza
and the result is the spoiling of food stuffs, medicine and other
humanitarian assistance sent because of adverse weather conditions
and lack of proper storage."

WALLES