PRESIDENT OBAMA'S CAIRO SPEECH IMPRESSED THE CONGOLESE

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000531 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O.12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM KPAO PREL PHUM CG SUBJECT: PRESIDENT OBAMA'S CAIRO SPEECH IMPRESSED THE CONGOLESE MEDIA REF: STATE 055334 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: President Obama's speech received wide media coverage in Kinshasa. Major print and broadcast media reported on the presidential address, providing, in some cases, opinion and commentary generally welcoming President Obama's effort to forge a new relationship with the Muslim world. However, commentators stressed that actions must follow the President's words. PAS Kinshasa organized a speech viewing event for the press, as it could only be seen on international satellite channels. End summary. ¶2. (U) Among the media organization invited to watch the speech at the Embassy, eight TV stations, five radio stations and three major dailies offered commentaries on the speech. All of them applauded President Obama's willingness to start a new relationship with the Muslim community, while expressing wariness and even skepticism on how successful a rapprochement might be. ¶3. (U) Independent daily Le Potentiel noted that Barack Obama "clearly wants to end the tumultuous relationship with the Muslim world initiated by his predecessor. He is right to accuse Muslim extremists of attempting to radicalize Muslim countries. But he did not indicate how he will end suspicions and mistrust between the U.S. and Muslims across the world." Under headline "Obama Wants to Change the Face of the World," pro-opposition newspaper Le Phare stressed that Barack Obama "caught his predecessor on the wrong foot by undertaking to bridge the gap separating the world's two most prominent civilizations. The U.S. President apparently broke the ice between America and the Muslim world." Pro-government L'Avenir indicated that "Although one may think that the Muslim world now adheres to Obama's vision due to his speech. DRC Muslims are weary of the association made between Islam and terrorism. They want to see President Obama's words translated into concrete action." ¶4. (U) Independent RAGA TV underscored that "Barack Obama will have to demonstrate that he is capable of materializing the promised 'new beginning'Muslims have not given him the benefit of the doubt yet, and one does not know how the American people will react to his speech. It is basically a wait-and-see situation as many wonder whether the U.S. President can deliver." Independent Numerica TV stressed that "it is hard to predict what the future has in store...Obama must definitely prove his mettle." Pro-opposition Radio Liberte Kinshasa emphasized "the frankness with which [the speech] addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But it remains to be seen whether Obama's words with resonate with Americans and Muslims as a whole." ¶5. (SBU) Comment: The above reactions and commentary are representative of the Congolese media sentiment toward President Obama's speech. Although local journalists acknowledge President Obama's good will, they doubt his ability to bring about a rapprochement between the U.S. and the Western world because of the existence of deep-rooted skepticism on both sides. However, the Congolese press generally noted that the speech embodied President Obama's commitment to promote better international relations and pursue common ground on major global issues. End comment. GARVELINK