OMAN MEDIA REACTION: Omani Stability; Arab-Israeli Conflict

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MUSCAT 001120 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: Omani Stability; Arab-Israeli Conflict ¶1. SUMMARY: In observance of the Oman's National Day, local media this week focused primarily on the Sultanate's achievements during the 39 years of rule by Sultan Qaboos, the era referred to locally as the Blessed Renaissance. At the same time, Omani editorials continued to focus on issues related to negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis. END SUMMARY. -------------- Peace Through Strength -------------- ¶2. on November 19, state Arabic daily "Oman" (circulation 38,000) hailed Sultan Qaboos for bringing stability and development to the country in "The Wise Might That Boosts Stability": "It is well known that security is the back bone of stability and development. Peace is one of the main pillars upon which the modern state is based and it brings development, strength, pride and dignity to the people. His Majesty the Sultan was determined to build and modernize the armed services, through sustained development of the capabilities of the Omani officer and soldier rather than relying heavily on the purchase of military arms and equipment. It is no wonder that Omani forces have enjoyed appreciation and commendation from other armies." -------------- -------------- Absence of Arab Unity Complicates Palestinian Position -------------- -------------- ¶3. On November 20, private daily "al-Watan" (circulation 42,000) asked for strong Arab action toward Israeli settlement plans in "The Demand of the Palestinian State Needs Arabs Support": "The evidence is clear: the absence of a firm, unified Arab position on the Palestinian issue complicates matters at a time when Israel is pushing back against the international position by continued expansion of settlements. While the Europeans and Americans denounce the Israeli settlement plans, calling for their halt as a step toward resuming peace talks, Israel announces new plans for the construction of 900 housing units in Eastern Jerusalem. With all this, the West still refuses to support the Palestinian position and plans. Therefore, the Palestinian call to the UN Security Council requires strong support from all Arabs." -------------- Why Continuing Talking? -------------- ¶4. On November 23, "Al Watan" decried Israeli unreadiness to listen or to commit to Security Council resolutions in "Proposals or Mazes?" "The remarks of Israeli president Shimon Peres in Cairo indicate that they are not prepared to listen to any international demands or to commit to any legitimate decisions related to the Arab-Israeli conflict, especially the Security Council resolutions which demand Israel return to the borders of June 1967. The question that arises is: How long will Israeli intransigence be ignored, and what is the benefit to the Palestinians of continuing MUSCAT 00001120 002 OF 002 negotiations when Israeli conditions, having been rejected by the Palestinians, have not changed?" Schmierer