JERUSALEM MEDIA REACTION (06/04): "THE STRATEGIC AND

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SUBJECT: JERUSALEM MEDIA REACTION (06/04): "THE STRATEGIC AND
ESSENTIAL ROLE OF CAIRO"

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Main Stories:
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Obama's June 3 visit to Saudi Arabia captures lead coverage in
Al-Hayat Al-Jadida and Al-Quds and front page coverage in Al-Ayyam.
All papers run lead photos of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia warmly
welcoming President Obama in Riyadh. The papers quote King Abdullah
saying, "I want to convey my wishes to the American people who are
represented by a man who deserves to be in this position". Obama
met with King Abdullah and discussed means of reviving the peace
process in the Middle East, papers report. The papers also report
that Obama's anticipated speech to the Muslim world will call on
Arabs and Israelis to show seriousness about ending conflict. Obama
noted that many Israelis realize the importance of halting
settlement activities and many Palestinians realize that they must
make positive gestures towards Israel. Obama noted that the
establishment of an independent Palestinian state would serve the
interests of Israel as a Jewish state, according to coverage.

Al-Ayyam runs front page coverage citing Wafa quoting a U.S.
official stating that President Obama seeks to establish positive
partnerships with Muslim countries focusing on cooperation in the
fields of development, health, education and technology. Al-Ayyam
runs separate front page coverage citing AFP on Congressional
Democrats criticizing Obama's statements regarding Israeli
settlements in the West Bank because they represent a change in U.S.
policy towards Israel.

Al-Quds and Al-Hayat Al-Jadida run front page coverage citing AFP
about 200 Israeli "right wing" protestors gathering on June 3 in
front of the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. The gathering was
in protest of President Obama's foreign policy which they perceive
of as biased towards the Palestinians, according to coverage.
Al-Hayat Al-Jadida runs a front page photo of protestors holding
signs that read, "Barack Hussein Obama, No you Can't."

All dailies run front page coverage citing AFP about Israel
dismantling Rimonim checkpoint known as "Asira" in Nablus and the
Birzeit checkpoint known as "Atara." Papers highlight that 600
checkpoints remain throughout the West Bank.

Al-Hayat Al-Jadida runs front page coverage citing Wafa about the
PLO's satisfaction with "positive remarks" made by President Obama
regarding U.S. serious intent to re-launch a real peace process in
the Middle East, beginning with a halt to settlements activities,
including natural growth.

Al-Ayyam ran its lead story under a banner headline highlighting a
World Bank report noting that the Palestinian economy has suffered
from the "many Israeli-imposed restrictions" during 2008. The
article emphasized that the, "strategic goal of an economically
viable Palestinian state can only be achieved if the West Bank and
Gaza are maintained as an integral economic entity."

Al-Quds and Al-Hayat Al-Jadida run front page coverage citing
Reuters quoting Israeli Defense Minister Barak noting that Israel
can resolve its differences with the U.S. regarding West Bank
settlements. Barak continued that Israel supports Obama's
initiative for a regional peace settlement, according to reporting.
Barak also noted "We pledged to respect Israel's signed agreements
with the U.S." but added that, "[President] Bush endorsed the
building of new houses in settlements to accommodate natural
growth."
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BLOCK QUOTES:
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1) Abdil Hamid Suwaylim commented in independent Al-Ayyam under the
headline, "President Obama: Is there really anything new?"(6/4):
"Will the [Obama] Administration, which has involved itself in the
[Palestinian] conflict's smallest details like never before, provide
a comprehensive vision suitable for this phase [of the conflict]?...
Will this vision have to wait until a new [U.S.] relationship is
formed with the Arab and Muslim worlds...?

2) Independent Al-Quds editorialized in "Obama in Cairo," (6/4):
"President Obama's visit to the region and his anticipated speech in
Cairo today have captured great attention locally, regionally and
internationally... It is worth noting that the President's tour does
not include a visit to Israel..., but the more important thing is
the selection of Cairo as the place from which the President is
sending his message to the Muslim world. This can only reemphasize
the strategic and essential role of Cairo in the Arab and Muslim
worlds."

WALLES