VZCZCXRO4382
PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHKUK RUEHROV
DE RUEHMS #0075 0261222
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P R 261555Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY MUSCAT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0074
INFO ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 0002
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 0002
RUEHMS/AMEMBASSY MUSCAT

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000075 
 
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:  Omani dailies uniformly called for ethical changes from 
Washington, saying that transparency and legitimacy are required for 
the new president to achieve his agenda.  Government Arabic daily 
"Oman" said that President Obama must prioritize the Middle East 
peace process and play an honest role.  Arabic private daily "Al 
Watan" advised President Obama to abandon strategies of allegations, 
lies, and false superiority.  Later in the week, "Oman" praised the 
closing of illegal prisons, and again called for policies of 
integrity and fairness.  END SUMMARY. 
 
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"A Return to Legitimacy" 
------------------------ 
 
¶2. On January 22, government Arabic daily "Oman" (circulation 38,000) 
called on President Obama to prioritize the Israeli - Palestinian 
peace process, expressing hope that the U.S. will return to an 
"honest role".  According to "Promising Hopes for Peace": 
 
"Everyone heard Obama's promise to pursue a new path with the Islamic 
world, starting by withdrawing from Iraq and establishing peace in 
Afghanistan.  The Arab world needs President Obama to pay attention 
to the Palestinians, an issue that must take priority in U.S. foreign 
policy.  We hope that the U.S. will play an honest role, allowing it 
a return to legitimacy.  Everyone hopes that the new president will 
work to implement the Arab initiative and avoid Israel's policy of 
murder, procrastination and delay in the belief that violence and 
aggression will bring peace." 
 
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"Hope President Obama Will Move Away from the Lies" 
--------------------------------------------- ------ 
 
¶3. On January 21, private Arabic daily "Al Watan" (circulation 
42,000) stated that President Obama must abandon the previous 
policies of lies to restore the credibility needed to meet political 
and economic challenges.  "The world is Waiting for Obama" said: 
 
"The whole world knows well that American policy is unchangeable, 
regardless of the administration.  However, there is hope that 
President Obama will move away from the lies and fabrications that 
were the principals of American policy.  He is facing enormous 
political, economic, military and environmental challenges. 
Accordingly, he needs to change the policies of his country, 
abandoning the strategy of allegations, lies and false superiority. 
President Obama needs to restore credibility if he really wants to 
achieve the aspirations of hope and confidence. He needs to 
differentiate between terrorism and the real demands of rights and 
benefits.  There are many contradictions in American policy; however, 
this young administration can overcome these contradictions by a 
return to honesty, credibility and respect for others' rights and 
aspirations." 
 
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"Closure of Illegal Prisons Commendable" 
---------------------------------------- 
 
¶4. "Oman" on January 24 advised that transparency and integrity are 
required for President Obama to change the image of America and make 
progress on peace initiatives.  According to "Between Phosphorous 
Bombs and U.S. Prisons": 
 
"The impact of phosphorous bombs on the bodies of the children in 
Gaza and continues to raise smoke every time these wounds are 
cleaned.  Since ethics are indivisible, we hope to hear support for a 
serious investigation of the tragedy that has claimed more than 1300 
lives.  President Obama's closure of illegal prisons and adherence to 
the Geneva Convention is commendable and signals the beginning of new 
era in America.  The President wants to improve the image of his 
country which deteriorated during the Bush presidency.  Obama will 
need to deal with external issues with transparency, integrity and 
fairness, especially in the Arab-Israeli conflict.  We will not judge 
him on his speeches or appointment of envoys, rather on the actions 
of his policies." 
GRAPPO 
 
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