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. -------------- Palestine: "No Further Study is Required" -------------- ¶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." -------------- -------------- Arbitrary Polices Are Affecting the Entire Region -------------- -------------- ¶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." -------------- Back to the "Vicious Circle of Negotiations" -------------- ¶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 MUSCAT 00001146 002 OF 002 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