VZCZCXRO2305
PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHDH RUEHKUK RUEHROV
DE RUEHMS #0779 2021056
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P R 211058Z JUL 09
FM AMEMBASSY MUSCAT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0629
INFO ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 0033
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 0036
RUEHMS/AMEMBASSY MUSCAT

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000779 
 
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: This week, the state-owned Arabic daily issued an 
uncharacteristic endorsement of the work of civil-society 
organizations, at least insofar as they "support existing 
institutions. As always, hopes for a Palestinian state loom large, 
especially in the private Arabic press.  Finally, a private Arabic 
daily highlights, doubtless with official sanction, Oman's role as a 
neutral regional player in relation to the Sultan's intended Iran 
visit.  END SUMMARY. 
 
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GROWING ROLE FOR CIVIL SOCIETY IN OMAN 
-------------------------------------- 
 
¶2. The government Arabic daily "Oman" (circulation 38,000) on July 
14, featured a piece from columnist Ahmad al-Falahi which applauding 
the efforts of civil society organizations in Oman to continue 
strengthening development in the country. "The Important Role of 
Civil Society Organizations": 
 
"There are currently 52 Omani Women Associations (OWA), 21 other 
professional associations, 10 charitable organizations, and 8 
(foreign) community clubs in Oman. These organizations continue to 
play an important role in supporting social and professional 
activities that strengthen the society.  The institutions of civil 
society are reinforcing official institutions...to continue the 
process of development that Oman has undertaken." 
 
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SHOULD ARABS DECLARE A PALESTINIAN STATE? 
----------------------------------------- 
 
¶3. On July 14, Arabic daily "Al Watan" (circulation 42,000) derided 
Israeli attempts at peace, calling them propaganda that tries to 
"brainwash the world's public opinion." The editorial also claims 
that Israel's refusal to comply with international law is grounds to 
declare a Palestinian state, asking "Will the Arabs and the 
Palestinians Do It?": 
 
"Israel's continued refusal to stop settlements, to allow the return 
of refugees and to recognize East Jerusalem as the capital of 
Palestine must all be used as reasons for the unilateral declaration 
of a Palestinian state. The UN and the Quartet must commit to its 
moral responsibilities if it is honest in its direction toward peace 
... Enough of the Israeli cheating, fraud, and false advertising 
launched by its leaders regarding their intention to start 
negotiations, mean to brainwash the world's public opinion." 
 
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GOOD NEIGHBORS AND HISTORICAL TIES 
---------------------------------- 
 
¶4.  Private, youth-oriented Arabic daily "Al Shabiba" (circulation 
20,000) published a commentary on July 14 by Zahir bin Harith 
al-Mahruqi about Sultan Qaboos's scheduled trip of to Iran, stressing 
that it will "strengthen historic and friendly relations" between the 
two neighbors.  "Implications of this Historic Visit": 
 
"The Iranian leadership has been looking forward to the visit of 
Sultan Qaboos to Iran. Since it is taking place at a difficult time, 
in which tensions prevail everywhere in the region, the visit aims at 
strengthening the historic and friendly relations between two 
neighboring countries, emphasizing the fundamentals of Oman's policy, 
which is based on the principles of good neighborliness and 
non-interference in the internal affairs of others.  Therefore, the 
Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, Yousif Bin Alawi stated 
that "the Sultanate did not participate in the meeting which was held 
in New York and called by the former U.S. Secretary of State, because 
her vision was to combine the Security Council and the Gulf 
Cooperation Council to draw plans against Iran, which Oman rejected; 
this is our clear policy." 
HURTADO