VZCZCXRO2921
PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHKUK RUEHROV
DE RUEHMS #0661 2591225
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 151225Z SEP 08
FM AMEMBASSY MUSCAT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9954
INFO RUEHEE/ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 0562
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 0449

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000661 
 
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:  Arabic daily "Al Watan" wrote twice on the crisis in 
Darfur, calling for the establishment of an Arab mechanism for 
conflict resolution and praising the Arab Foreign Ministers' intent 
to seize initiative.  Government daily "Oman" blamed conspirators 
for creating regional instability while America and Israel are 
preoccupied, then called on all Arab states to work toward peace. 
END SUMMARY. 
 
--------------------------------------------- 
"FOREIGN POWERS ARE PLAYING WITH ARAB CRISES" 
--------------------------------------------- 
 
¶2. On September 9, private Arabic daily "Al Watan" (circulation 
42,000) called on Arab states to establish mechanisms for 
reconciliation in the region, warning of foreign influences. 
According to "Reconciliation and the Way to Strong Political 
Decisions": 
 
"There is a need for Arab states to stimulate reconciliation between 
other Arab states; however, it seems that no such mechanism for 
reconciliation exists.  A problem turns from negotiations about 
withdrawal from occupied countries to negotiations to resolve 
internal differences.  Certain groups keep on accusing Arab 
countries, holding them responsible for their internal problems, 
which is the case in Lebanon and Syria. In addition, the greed of 
foreign countries for Sudan's wealth is deepening the problems 
between conflicting parties there.  Foreign powers are playing with 
Arab crises and problems not to serve Arab states, but to divide 
them." 
 
----------------------------- 
SUDAN: "A VICTIM OF AMBITION" 
----------------------------- 
 
¶3. On September 11, "Al-Watan" praised the resolution of Arab 
Foreign Ministers to address the Darfur problem.  "Resolution that 
Reflects a State of Awareness and Vigilance" said: 
 
"The Arab Foreign Ministers' decision at the Arab League to address 
a solution to the Darfur problem reflects vigilance, awareness, and 
a desire to resolve issues that threaten Arab security and 
stability.  It also prevents foreign hands from manipulating Arab 
fates in their own interests.  The resolution indicates that Arab 
officials realize that relying on others to solve their problems 
will not lead to solutions.  The crises of some Arab states are the 
results of policies of others who wish to fulfill their own 
ambitions and interests, not interests of Arab states.  The wealth 
of this region is the motive behind the ambitions of major powers 
that seek to strengthen their economies.  Sudan is an unfortunate 
victim of this ambition." 
 
-------------------------------------------- 
"HIDDEN HANDS TRYING TO SHAKE THE STABILITY" 
-------------------------------------------- 
 
¶4.  On September 15, government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" 
(circulation 38,000) called on Arab states to invest time now in 
building regional peace while America and Israel are preoccupied by 
elections.  According to "Why Insist On Disturbing the Stability of 
the Region?": 
 
"While Israel is choosing a successor for its prime minister and 
America is preoccupied with the presidential campaign, it seems that 
there is a deliberate act to provoke instability in the region.  It 
is clear that there are hidden hands trying to shake the stability 
of the region: bombings in Lebanon; the return of escalation and 
tension in the Gaza Strip; the arguments between Hamas and Fatah; 
the announcement of opposition movements in Darfur that will not 
cooperate with the Arab League initiative. Fomenting instability 
will only widen the gap between the forces behind these acts and 
other Arab states that seek peace.  Arab states should invest this 
time by addressing Arab differences, giving a boost not only to the 
Palestinian/Palestinian dialogue, but also to the situation in Iraq, 
Darfur, Lebanon, and even Somalia." 
 
GRAPPO