Cablegate: Jerusalem Media Reaction (10/09): Palestinians React To

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FM AMCONSUL JERUSALEM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6247
RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHDC
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RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 4859
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 4709
RUEHNC/AMEMBASSY NICOSIA 6200
RUEHRO/AMEMBASSY ROME 4626
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 3220

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 JERUSALEM 001793

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STATE PASS BBG
STATE FOR NEA, NEA/IPA, NEA/PPD
WHITE HOUSE FOR PRESS OFFICE, SIT ROOM
NSC
CMC WASHINGTON DC FOR POLAD

JERUSALEM ALSO FOR ICD
LONDON FOR HKANONA AND POL - TSOU
PARIS ALSO FOR POL
ROME FOR MFO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL KMDR KPAL KWBG KPAO IS

SUBJECT: JERUSALEM MEDIA REACTION (10/09): Palestinians react to
continued Israeli restrictions at Al Aqsa Mosque

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Main Stories:
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The dailies lead with reports on the strict Israeli security
measures throughout the old city of Jerusalem for Friday prayers, as
Palestinians were urged to mobilize in defense of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Islamic movements in the West Bank, Gaza and Israel have called on
the Palestinians to consider today a "Day of Anger" and defend the
mosque. In related news, the dailies report on Palestinian Authority
(PA) Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Malki reporting to the press from New
York that he asked UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to exert
pressure on Israel to stop escalating the situation in the region.

The local press reports on US Special Envoy George Mitchell's talks
with Israeli officials yesterday in Jerusalem. The reports note that
Mitchell met with Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and
Israeli President Shimon Peres. Mitchell told Peres that the US will
continue their efforts to ensure the resumption of negotiations
between the Palestinians and Israelis, according to coverage. He
also reiterated that President Obama and Secretary Clinton are
determined to reach a comprehensive peace in the region. A US
official noted that the recent incidents at Al-Aqsa Mosque and the
implications of the Goldstone report prove once again the need for
the two parties to resume negotiations and end the conflict.

Al-Quds reports news citing AFP that Fatah is accusing the US of
walking away from international agreements. Vice Secretary General
of the Fatah Central Committee Jibril Al-Roujoub is quoted as saying
"it is becoming obvious now that Obama's administration is deviating
from the international agreements concerning the negotiations" and
noted that there will be no resumption of negotiations unless Israel
completely halts settlement activities and abides by their road map
obligations. Al-Roujoub also said that "Palestine is not a US
territory," according to coverage.

The dailies report that Egypt has not received a request from Hamas
to delay the national reconciliation agreement signing scheduled for
October 25. The reports note that Egypt has urged all Palestinian
factions to prioritize national interests and not get mired in the
implications of postponing the vote on the Goldstone report.
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BLOCK QUOTES:
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1) Yousef Al-Qarei opined in Al-Quds independent daily under the
title "Holy places in Jerusalem in danger" (10/09): "Given the
European position on settlements over the past couple of years, we
should push our mutual understanding with the EU at this critical
time. In July 2008, the EU criticized the continuation of settlement
activities following Israel's initial approval to build housing
units on Abu Ghneim mountain in Jerusalem ... It is important that
the EU Foreign and Security Policy Coordinator [Javier Solana]
continues this work."

2) Mohammad Yaghi opines in Al Ayyam independent daily under the
headline "Defending the sin" (10/09):"Postponing the vote on the
Goldstone report until next March will not pass without severe
repercussions on Fatah, the PLO, and national reconciliation. The
postponement created an earthquake among Palestinians and the Arab
states that the decision makers in the PA did not expect. It will
result in wide divisions for the PA. In reality, it's not possible
to rescue the PA from itself if it can't realize its sin and stop
constantly crossing red lines."

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