Oman Media Reaction: Frustration at the Israeli-Palestinian

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MUSCAT 001146

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: Frustration at the Israeli-Palestinian
Impasse


1. SUMMARY: This past week saw Omani dailies level heavy criticism
on the latest developments in the Israeli-Palestinian dialogue,
with reaction to the European Union's stance on the status of
Jerusalem providing the bulk of the fodder for editorials. END
SUMMARY.



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Palestine: "No Further Study is Required"

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2. On December 2, private daily "al-Watan" (circulation
42,000)demanded EU confirmation of international resolutions
concerning the status of East Jerusalem. "Further Evidence of Who
Refuses Peace" stated:



"The Israeli warning to Europe of the consequences of the
recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of the Palestinian state
reveals their identity as the peace obstructionist in this
conflict. Israel's earlier declaration of no true Palestinian
negotiating partner is wrong. The EU decision to study division of
Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state and recognition of
the Palestinian state is not charity for the Palestinians, but an
issue confirmed by international law. From the legal and moral
point of view, all international parties concerned with the Middle
East conflict must meet and implement the demands of international
legitimacy. No further study of the issue is required."



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Arbitrary Polices Are Affecting the Entire Region

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3. State Arabic daily "Oman" (circulation 38,000) wrote on December
8 that Israel's ongoing behavior may increase tension and conflict,
saying "Israeli Practices and Actions in Jerusalem Call For An
Effective International Response":



"Criticism of Israeli actions is no longer limited to international
organizations. Israeli practices are condemned by many internal
organizations as well. Israel's arbitrary policies are affecting
the entire region, and it is important and necessary that the
international community pressure the Israeli government to stop
such practices. If not, unpredictable escalations in tension and
confrontations within the Palestinian territories will likely
result."



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Back to the "Vicious Circle of Negotiations"

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4. On December 12, "Al Watan" wrote, "It is Indeed a Farce":



"The plan aimed at dragging the Palestinians back to the vicious
circle of negotiations with the Israelis is becoming clear. Three
parties are promoting the plan: Israel, the European Union, and the
United States. Israel announced a temporary halt to the expansion
of settlements which did not happen. The EU is pulling the
Palestinians into negotiations by their recognition that Jerusalem
will be the capital of the two states. Such recognition does not
add anything and is already stipulated in the resolutions and

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previous agreements and understandings. The role of the United
States, on the other hand, completes this farce through the
announcement that Washington is preparing to launch a new
initiative designed at jump-starting stalled negotiations."



SCHMIERER
Schmierer