OMAN MEDIA REACTION

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000108 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARP NEA/PPD NEA/PI INR/R/MR NEA/SA/EX/PMO LONDON FOR NEA WATCHER PARIS FOR NEA WATCHER FOREIGN PRESS CENTER FOR NEA WATCHER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KPAO KMDR MU SUBJECT: OMAN MEDIA REACTION ¶1. SUMMARY: This week, Omani private dailies criticized George Mitchell's statements after his visit to the region and government daily "Oman" praised the Vice President's speech in Munich. Private Arabic daily "Al Watan" said that Mitchell's remarks after his first visit to the region were "ambiguous", another sign that American policy in the region has not changed. Government Arabic daily "Oman" said that President Obama's policies towards Russia, Iran, and the Middle East are "positive" and "important". END SUMMARY. -------------- "Meaningless Unless They Take Active Steps" -------------- ¶2. On February 4, private Arabic daily "Al Watan" (circulation 42,000) commented that foreign policy statements by George Mitchell and Secretary Clinton are to date ambiguous, and that the Middle East is looking for actions to back the new administration's rhetoric. According to "More Ambiguous Positions": "Obama's special envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell, has cast the first shadow of ambiguity on Washington's foreign policy position. He would not state clearly his findings from his "exploratory tour", possibly in anticipation of the results of the Israeli election. Secretary Clinton, in a meeting with Mitchell, gave another ambiguous statement when talking about the administration's commitment to the establishment of a viable Palestinian state. Any statements are meaningless unless active steps on the ground give a glimmer of hope that the new administration is honest in its promises. The U.S. mediator talked endlessly about peace, to the point of confusion. All concerned parties should be aware of these kinds of American promises are only self-serving." -------------- --- "Obama Will Continue His Predecessor's Policies" -------------- --- ¶3. On February 7, Arabic youth-oriented daily "Al Shabiba" commented that George Mitchell's first visit to the region confirms a continuation of existing policies. According to "Mitchell's Remarks Not Reassuring": "We fear that George Mitchell's tour confirms our doubts, and Obama will continue his predecessor's policies in the region. Not only will the President ensure the security of Israel, but he will also support the continuation of the occupation and its gains acquired by armed force. Palestinian security has no place in his agenda except when it serves the security of the occupying power. We hope that Obama's management of the Middle East is different than his predecessor's." -------------- "Obama's Foreign Policy Positive" -------------- ¶4. On February 9, government Arabic daily "Oman" (circulation 38,000) praised Vice President Biden's speech in Munich, calling the President's policy positive and important because of a willingness to talk to Iran. "Positive Signals at the Munich Conference" said: "Vice President Joe Biden announced in Munich the essential components of American policy. President Obama's foreign policy is positive and desires to deal with the world differently, the Arab and Islamic countries in particular. That policy has tried to empower France and Germany to face the economic crisis. Russia has announced its readiness to be flexible with the U.S. administration on the missile shield and security issues in Europe. The speech by Biden was important, not only because it stressed America's readiness to consult with its allies and friends, but also because it confirmed America's willingness for a dialogue with Iran." GRAPPO To view the entire SMART message, go to URL http://repository.state.sgov.gov/_layouts/OSS SearchResults.aspx?k=messageid:4a1854a9-de30- 4751-9571-cc0e08840988