Oman Media Reaction:

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SUBJECT: Oman Media Reaction:


1. SUMMARY: Omani editorials this week lament the UK's "double
standard" toward Israel, look with cautious hope on the outcome of
the Copenhagen climate-change summit, and praise the prospect of a
rapprochement between Lebanon and Syria. END SUMMARY.



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"SURPRISINGLY SUBMISSIVE" UK DIPLOMACY

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2. On December 18, private daily "Al Watan" (circulation 42,000)
criticized British "submissiveness" to Israel, decrying "Double
Standard Positions":



"Some governments, like the British, hold a double standard when
dealing with issues of legitimacy and human rights of another
country. They abide by UN resolutions and international laws and
convention when it comes Iran or any other Arab country; however,
if the other side of the conflict involves Israel, British
diplomacy turns surprisingly submissive. The statements of British
Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the Foreign Secretary regarding the
arrest warrant of the Israeli Foreign Minister and their apology is
proof. Israel is committing war crimes against innocent
Palestinians, killing hundreds, and the British government is
apologizing to them. How is that working?"



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"MUCH DEPENDS" ON CLIMATE-CHANGE ACTION

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3. State Arabic daily "Oman" (circulation 38,000) highlighted the
Copenhagen summit and described it as an awakening, asking "Can the
World Save its Future?":



"The Climate Summit in Copenhagen, with the participation of 192
countries and their leaders, is of major importance. Not only
because of the high degree of attention and cooperation among
countries to deal with issues related to climate change, but also
because of the desire of the leaders to save the future of mankind.
Studies have shown that much will depend on climate changes, not
only on water resources, but also on varying rates and amounts of
pollution, the rise in the temperature of the earth, and the
melting of Arctic ice, all of which are critical phenomena in the
future. The Copenhagen Summit reveals the high degree and sense of
responsibility by all parties involved, with a genuine desire to
reach a positive, beneficial agreement for all. "



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LEBANON AND SYRIA "TURN A PAGE"

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4. On December 20, "Al Watan" hailed Syrian and Lebanese efforts to
overcome their political differences, suggesting that they have
averted further regional discord, in "Syria and Lebanon and A Page
Turned":



"The visit of the Lebanese Prime Minister al-Hariri to Damascus and
his meeting with President Bashar al-Assad has turned the page on a
critical period of the Arab nation, ending a very confusing and
sensitive era for the Arab world. Instigation against Syria had

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reached a peak, pushing toward a violent confrontation between
these two Arab countries. The ability of the two parties to
overcome the crisis before it turned into a catastrophic conflict
deserves appreciation. The Lebanese position is in fact worthy of
respect. They have regained their confidence in the inevitability
of their historical and geographical relations with Syria, having
recognized that a conspiracy was aimed at diverting attention from
the crucial issues and distracting attention from goals that unify
all brothers."



SCHMIERER
Schmierer