OMAN MEDIA REACTION: SUDANESE DIVISION, U.S.-EU TIES, AND

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000086 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: SUDANESE DIVISION, U.S.-EU TIES, AND PALESTINIAN UNITY ¶1. SUMMARY: Over the course of the last week, Omani media leant credence to Sudanese division conspiracy theories, highlighted a perceived rift in the U.S.-E.U. relationship, and declared Palestinian unity a necessary element in influencing the peace process. END SUMMARY. -------------- Genocide Charges Will "Divide Sudan" -------------- ¶2. On February 4, private daily "al-Watan" (circulation 42,000) suggested that consideration by the ICC of potential genocide charges against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir could destabilize Sudan, calling the charges "A Decision that will Open the Door Wide" to malign influence: "Sudan, among the Arab nations, has been blessed by a wealth of natural resources, which draws the interest of Israel. Israel seeks to partition and divide the Arab world into small, warring, rival states in order to control the region. To this end, Israel and its allies will not stop their efforts to divide Sudan and will challenge any steps taken by the Sudanese to maintain the unity and diversity of their homeland." -------------- SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL "DAMAGING" U.S.-EU TIES -------------- ¶3. "Al Watan" on February 5 wrote that Israel is fueling the fires of disagreement between U.S. and Europe in order to divert attention from key issues, including freezing settlements, "Statements and Stands out of Control": "The U.S. position on the Middle East peace process, Israeli delays and stalling tactics, and the full-blown U.S. incitement of Iran are creating problems with Europe, which boiled over as a result of Obama's unwillingness to attend the U.S.-EU Summit. European resentment stems from the tension created by America's failure to address the key unresolved issue of Israeli occupation of Arab lands. U.S. support for Israel and its bullying of Europe into boycotting Iran are damaging the EU-U.S. relationship. " -------------- -------------- A Palestinian House Divided Will Not Influence Israel, World -------------- -------------- ¶4. On February 8, state Arabic daily "Oman" (circulation 38,000) commented that real Arab support for Palestinian reconciliation efforts is of great importance, saying "Practical Moves are more Important and Relevant to the Palestinians": "Achieving Palestinian reconciliation is one of the main elements capable of influencing both Israeli and international positions on peace. It is necessary to move Fatah and Hamas from the rebuilding of bridges and confidence to taking concrete and practical action, the results of which can be seen by the Palestinian people." Schmierer