BBC Monitoring Quotes From Middle East Arabic Press for 29 May 07

May 29, 04:40 AM

Current Headlines: The following is a selection of quotes from editorials and comment published in the 29 May 2007 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 and Iraqi newspapers and those published in the UK are being filed separately.

Iran-USA-dialogue

Iran's Al-Vefagh [published in Arabic by IRNA]: "It is too early for anyone to give an accurate assessment of the results of yesterday's Iranian-US talks ... Iraqis' agreement on the positive atmosphere of the talks indicates that it is possible to go on if those involved will agree on a positive study of the results of the first phase ... The US does not have the right to deem itself closer than Iranians to Iraqis or more keen on their future! ... What happened yesterday in Baghdad can be considered as breaking of the ice. However, it does not mean a fundamental development in relations between both countries due to the accumulation of basic differences, especially that the Americans seize every opportunity to show antagonism towards Iran." (29) (Editorial - "For the sake of Iraq!!")

Egypt's Al-Ahram [pro-govt, largest circulation]: "Certainly both sides know each other's priorities. While Tehran knows that Washington's priorities lie in the suspension of uranium enrichment operations and abstention from backing Iraqi resistance, Washington knows that Tehran's priority lies in obtaining a US commitment to stopping attempts to undermine the ayatollahs' rule and normalizing relations between the sides. The way to achieve both targets, however, is still strenuous and surrounded by many dangers and difficulties." (29) (Commentary by Makram Muhammad Ahmad - "Washington negotiating with Iran!")

Egypt's Al-Akhbar [pro-govt]: "The only interpretation of yesterday's talks between the Americans and Iranian at the ambassadors level is that solving this crisis is no longer in the hands of Iraqis whose land was occupied by US invading troops; rather, it became contingent on settling of accounts between two bodies alien to Iraq. It is beyond doubt that Americans' agreement to cooperate with the Iranians in their quest for a solution to their dilemma in Iraq is an implicit admission of Iranian interference through Iraqi agents working for them or through the presence of Iranian elements in Iraqi territories." (29) (Commentary by Jalal Duwaydar - "Settling of accounts in Iraqi territories ")

Egypt's Al-Ahram [pro-govt, largest circulation]: "Important talks between the USA and Iran on the situation in Iraq started yesterday in Baghdad ... The USA is no longer solely able to find a way out of the Iraqi crisis ... It is worth noting that this meeting shows clearly the USA's pressing need to hold dialogue and cooperation with regional parties that Washington see as influential in the Iraqi crisis ... The launching of talks between Tehran and Washington comes at a time when the US project in Iraq is stumbling." (29) (Editorial - "USA-Iran dialogue and what remains of Iraq assassination")

Saudi Al-Riyad [indep, pro-govt]: "This meeting constitutes an implicit US admission of the Iranian role that is difficult to ignore in cases of peace and war ... Iraq has become the centre of activity regarding the breakout of crises and the possibility of solving them. It, however, remains the biggest loser under all circumstances ... There are Arab and Turkish neighbours to Iraq. Excluding political and military cooperation between Iran and Syria, other fronts do not want any US military adventure striking Iran and do not want Iran to remain a player that threatens the security of these countries in accordance with scenarios it prepares for the distant future." (29) (Editorial - "Antagonists engaged in dialogue!")

Qatar's Al-Watan [indep, pro-govt]: "The US-Iranian talks indicate that when people resort to civilized and effective means, foremost of which is dialogue, the results are always hopeful ... The Baghdad talks are an introduction that will ease tension and build bridges of true and transparent cooperation instead of wasting wealth and energies in a futile conflict." (29) (Editorial)

Jordan's Al-Dustur [indep, pro-govt]: "Holding the meeting per se constitutes a clear concession on the part of the US administration ... The fact is that Iran is not a charity or an NGO that will offer its services to the USA for free ... In return for every step Iran will take toward the USA, the latter will have to take a similar step or a little bit bigger one ... The meeting of US-Iranian dialogue indicates that the spectre of this confrontation is fading away, and that the scenario of military strike or complete collapse is abating accordingly." (29) (Commentary by Urayb al-Rantawi - "US- Iranian dialogue")

Jordan's Al-Ra'y [indep, pro-govt] "The Baghdad conference resembles the Yalta conference as it is a conference of antagonists who were obliged by political reality to sit to the negotiation table with a view to sharing out influence ... Iran got an international licence after the Baghdad conference to lead wide parts of Iraq. It also obtained a US admission of the strength of the Iranian element in the Iraqi affair ... Arabs - today and before it is too early - should adopt a clear strategy that sponsors any Iraqi faction that declares a clear stand on Iranian hegemony over Iraq ... The table to which the Americans and Iranians sat in Baghdad will remain as a new guillotine used for hanging the Arab country of Iraq." (29) (Commentary by Sami al-Zubaydi - "New Yalta")

Kuwait's Al-Siyassah [indep]: "Negotiations between the Iranian regime and the USA on the Iraq issue is an explicit admission of interference in internal Iraqi affairs ... Accepting the Iranian regime's role in Iraq is considered a confirmation of previous mistakes as well as committing of a bigger one ... Regardless of the US political mistakes, Iran will consider negations with the USA as a process that may lead to extremely fatal dangers ... There is only one legitimate and acceptable demand represented in cutting off the arms of the Iraqi regime." (29) (Commentary by Khalid Mazhar al- Ta'i - "Negotiations are explicit Iranian admission of interference in the Iraqi affair")

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