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BBC Monitoring Quotes From Middle East Arabic Press for 13 August 2005

Posted on: Saturday, 13 August 2005, 06:00 CDT

The following is a selection of quotes from editorials and comment published in the 13 August 2005 editions of Arabic language newspapers in the Middle East and North Africa, as available to the BBC at 0800 gmt. Any material from the previous day is indicated as such. Quotes from Palestinian newspapers and those published in the UK are being filed separately.

Iraq

Saudi Al-Jazirah [Arab nationalist]: www.al-jazirah.com "We should respect all people's choices and the Iraqi people should not be an exception, nor should any Iraqi group be an exception either when it proposes a federalist state in Iraq." (13) "Editorial - Federalism and priorities in Iraq")

Qatar's Al-Watan [indep, pro-govt]: www.al-watan.com "The call by Abd-al-Aziz al-Hakim, the Iraqi Shi'i leader, for a Shi'i region in Iraq, has not only surprised Iraq's different political groups but also all those sincere non-Iraqis, who have been calling for Iraq's unity since the first day of the American invasion..." (13) (Editorial - "First thing is to strengthen unity").

Syria's Tishrin [govt-owned]: www.teshreen.com "The US lies on Iraq will be endless and the reason to continue the occupation of Iraq... is because people such as US Vice-President Dick Cheney and Defence Secretary Rumsfeld, as well the group of fanatics of the extremist right, think Iraq is a lucrative prey and the starting point for implementing their long-cherished imperialistic plans." (13) (Commentary by Hanan Hamid -"Point of view: more lies")

Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Jordan's Al-Dustur [indep, pro-govt]: www.addustour.com "The Israeli operation in Gaza should be a crucial part of the road map, not its graveyard, nor should it dispel the dream of a Palestinian state." (13) (Editorial - "Gaza pullout")

Saudi Al-Watan [indep, pro-govt]: www.alwatan.com.sa "The statement by Israeli prime Minister Ariel Sharon in the [Israeli] paper Yediot Aharonot, in which he said the big settlement blocs in the West Bank will remain, clearly indicates that ...Israel is not committed to reach a permanent peace agreement with the Arabs." (13) Editorial- "Israel prefers to negotiate with the USA")

Qatar's Al-Rayah www.raya.com "Inflammatory speeches and statements are the last things the Palestinians need during this crucial stage as the deadline for the pullout of the Israeli forces and the withdrawal of the settlers from Gaza draws near..." (13) Editorial - "Calm needed and not escalation").

Sudan

Sudan's al Watan [pro-gov] "We welcome Salva Kiir in Khartoum and the whole of our beloved Sudan. Our message to him is that people are expecting from him what they were expecting from the late John Garang: a united country... We welcome him and hold his hands for the sake of a united, peaceful and prosperous nation." (13) (Editorial - "Welcome Salva Kiir")

Iran, nuclear

Iran's Al-Vefagh [published in Arabic by IRNA]: www.al- vefagh.com "The EU's threats against Iran confirm the EU's aggressive behavior in dealing with a sovereign country. It is inconceivable for Europeans to think they can impose conditions on Iran and succeed where others [the USA] have already failed." (13) (Editorial - "Communique or resolution?")

Terrorism

Egypt's Al-Ahram [pro-govt, largest circulation]: www.ahram.org.eg "The FBI has issued a warning against potential attacks by Al-Qa'idah in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. Despite the importance of such warnings against the dangers of possible terrorists attacks, these warnings only give rise to fear and panic, and may even realise some of the terrorists objectives..." (13) (Editorial - "Necessary fight against terrorism").

Sources: As listed

Source: BBC Monitoring Newsfile

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