VZCZCXRO6397
PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHKUK RUEHROV
DE RUEHMS #0528 1961356
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 141356Z JUL 08
FM AMEMBASSY MUSCAT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9798
INFO RUEHEE/ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 0551
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 0439

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000528 
 
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 
 
¶1. SUMMARY:  Commentaries this week focused on Oman's and the Gulf's 
relationship to U.S. in the context of the Iran situation.  "As 
Shabiba" reported on the Omani Foreign Ministry's decision not to 
send an ambassador to Baghdad and criticized the U.S. for allowing 
Iranian influence in Iraq to grow. "Al Watan" repeated the message 
that America is allegedly endangering its Gulf allies by allowing 
tensions with Tehran to rise.  State-owned "Oman" praised political 
progress in Lebanon, asserting that the new government must address 
issues critical to Hezbollah first.  END SUMMARY. 
 
------------------------- 
Oman Rules Out Iraq Envoy 
------------------------- 
 
¶2. On July 7, private Arabic daily "As Shabiba" (circulation 20,000) 
reported that Oman will not send an Ambassador to Iraq, and 
criticized U.S. calls to erase Iraq's foreign debt.  According to 
the article titled "Arab Embassies in Baghdad": 
 
"The United States continues to pressure Arab countries, 
particularly the GCC states, to reopen missions in Baghdad.  Oman, 
though, has ruled out sending an envoy, according to [Foreign 
Ministry Secretary General] Sayyid Badr, because of the 
out-of-control security situation in Baghdad.  The U.S. wants Arabs 
to reopen their mission in Iraq to counter the increasing Iranian 
influence, but the alleged Iranian influence was caused by the U.S. 
Arab ambassadors were in Baghdad in the absence of U.S. ambassadors. 
 Why does the United States want Arabs to rebuild what it had 
destroyed?  Furthermore, the U.S. insists that GCC states scrap all 
Iraqi debt.  The U.S. is the one occupying and running affairs in 
Iraq, hence it should repay these debts.  GCC people have enough 
financial burdens." 
 
----------------------------------------- 
Gulf Suffers from American Foreign Policy 
----------------------------------------- 
 
¶3.  Privately Arabic daily "Al Watan" (circulation 42,000) said on 
July 11 that America's actions don't back up its claims of defending 
its Gulf allies.  "Diplomacy is the Best Means of Defense" said: 
 
"American officials have said repeatedly that Washington is ready to 
defend its allies.  The Secretary of State herself repeated this on 
many occasions.  Such statements, though, have not been accompanied 
by actions that make the Gulf states feel that they can believe 
America.  In fact, the Gulf only suffers from problems caused by 
America's foreign policy.  If Washington's intention to defend its 
allies in the Gulf is honest, then its State Department must be able 
to work independently of any military threats by the Pentagon or 
advisers who favor military action.  The foundations of regional and 
world peace should not adhere to America's vision alone." 
 
-------------------------------- 
No Justification For Accusations 
-------------------------------- 
 
¶4. Government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" (circulation 38,000) praised 
the new Lebanese government, calling for additional steps to build 
confidence.  "Lebanon and New Era" said: 
 
"The Lebanese did well when they announced the formation of their 
government, despite the difficulties and challenges they faced. 
There is no justification for any more accusations, threats or 
warnings or media-backed propaganda.  There are two important tasks 
for the government to do to start new era in Lebanon: restore 
confidence in the Lebanese political system and secure transparent 
parliamentary elections.  The new president should invite all 
opposing leaders to discuss critical issues of which Hezbollah's 
should be at the top of the agenda." 
GRAPPO