Negotations pressure on Palestinian factions

The Palestinians bound for Washington to launch direct negotiations seem disoriented, at best disunited, Othman Mirghini comments in the pan-Arab newspaper Asharq al Awsat. The Palestinian delegation is likely to face obstinate Israeli interlocutors, headed by Benjamin Netanyahu who many consider to be hardly keen on achieving a genuine peace. The Israeli premier is well aware that a resumption of negotiations will renew differences between Palestinian factions, hindering any reconciliation effort.

To alleviate the US pressure on him, he has resorted to double dealing with the international Quartet, by showing his readiness to engage in the talks - yet at the same time, adding further conditions for the Palestinians. Israeli public opinion has been indifferent to the news. Analysts remain sceptical of the extent of Israeli commitment to the peace process altogether. Many have criticised Israel's unchanging stance over the status of East Jerusalem, the return of refugees and the borders issue. As peace with the Israelis under the government of Mr Netanyahu looks harder to achieve, Palestinians should think seriously of uniting, of overcoming their divisions and rising to the occasion.

Interference from neighbouring countries hampers the formation of a new Iraqi government, alongside the relics of the US invasion. The latter has had a long-lasting effect on the political map and Iraq's future, noted the Saudi newspaper Al Jazeera in its editorial.

Iran may be deeply involved in Iraq, but politicians rarely dare to expose the minutiae of the agendas of senior Iranian officials, who often attempt to impose their views on how Iraq is governed. Instead of pointing the finger at those directly responsible within Iraq, oppositionists tend to lay the blame at neighbouring countries. This is not only unfair but misleading, and provides cover for those directly responsible for meddling in Iraqi politcs.

Iraqis should differentiate between those interested in positive efforts to accelerate the formation of a national coalition government agreed upon by all, and those who promote sedition. Iraq's neighbouring countries should be clearly defined in the Iraqi political discourse, while politicians need to be more courageous in revealing the parties that hamper the march towards democracy in Iraq, the paper argues.

The visit of Spain's interior minister Alfredo Rubalcaba to Morocco may not pacify the tense relations between states, analysts say. A formal apology for the abuse suffered by Moroccans is a condition for ending the crisis that began in July, wrote Mahmoud Maarouf in a report in the London-based newspaper Al Quds al Arabi. Mr Rubalcaba and his Moroccan counterpart Taieb Cherkaoui stressed the distinct nature of cooperation between Rabat and Madrid, highlighting positive results in addressing illegal immigration, drug smuggling, terrorism and security.

They also agreed to upgrade the level of the co-operation between the two ministries by holding regular security meetings and establishing a joint-police station along the border. Yet neither mentioned whether or not they had discussed the border incident between the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. The Moroccan newspaper Al Masaa said that there was no real indication a settlement could be reached soon, given Spain's refusal to guarantee an end to human rights violations. The newspaper called on Spain to apologise officially for Moroccan victimisation if both parties wish to overcome the present stalemate.

In the commentary of the UAE newspaper Al Khaleej, Ibn al Deera argued that a postponement of a third hike in fuel prices until after the Eid holiday as nothing to be cheerful about. Distribution companies always intend to increase prices using well-worn arguments of losses and world prices.

But before comparing fuel rates in the UAE with elsewhere, we should consider those in other GCC states. The UAE needs its own reasonable justification for having the highest prices among the GCC. Fuel price increases are followed by a price rise of other commodities, which will burden a large section of the community. However, another question arises: Why are distribution companies left unchecked when proposing successive increases?

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy announced its intention to examine prices of firms that provide servies for automobiles. This is a welcome move, as it will regulate the industry and better organise relations between consumers and salesmen. Similar efforts are also needed, and government intervention to control price hikes is required. This is particularly the case with all other kinds of fuel usage. * Digest compiled by Mostapha El Mouloudi @Email:[e-mail]