Mideast media sceptical of Annapolis

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(L-R) Ehud Olmert, George W Bush and Mahmud Abbas in Annapolis

As Middle East peace talks are under way in the US, there is widespread uncertainty in the regional press about what to expect.

Some Palestinian observers criticise police for trying to suppress anti-conference demonstrators in Ramallah, while Israeli papers remain largely sceptical.

<center>PALESTINIAN</center>

Umar Hilmi al-Ghul in Al-Hayat al-Jadidah

The security forces made a grave mistake defending law and order by forcefully dispersing the anti-Annapolis demonstrations. It would have been better to be lenient with the demonstrators.

Hani Habib in West Bank-based Al-Ayyam

The Palestinian Authority made two mistakes at the conference: Firstly, it accepted the US invitation that incorrectly invited President Abbas as the president of the Palestinian Authority rather than the president of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO). Secondly, the quelling of the anti-Annapolis demonstrations.

Imad al-Hadidi in Pro-Hamas daily Filastin

The conference will divide Palestine and rip apart its national and geographic unity. It wants to eradicate the Palestinians using Palestinian hands with a blessing from the Arabs, the international community and the UN, under the US and Israel. However, the tsunami of demonstrations in Gaza has swallowed the Annapolis fortress.

Dr Ahmad Majdalani in West Bank-based Al-Ayyam

It is clear that Israel sees the Arab quest for a peaceful solution as begging that stems from weakness and surrender. But who can blame it when the Arabs are just demanding their rights and peace efforts, while Israel is embracing itself and its army to impose its aggression to make the Arabs surrender.

<center> ISRAELI </center>

The battle for Arab-Israeli peace has become part of the battle against Islamofascism... It means that 2008, the year in which Arabs and Israelis are aiming to reach agreement on the establishment of a Palestinian state, must also be the year that the Iranian regime's bid for nuclear-backed hegemony is repelled.

Nahum Barnea in centrist, biggest selling Yediot Aharonot

Ehud Olmert's speech was festive and optimistic as required in such situations and yet sober. He made it clear to Israel that the negotiations will be difficult, full of crises and the concessions will be difficult. He also hinted that the gaps between the sides are great ... Only a miracle can bring it about within a year.

Ben Kaspit in centre-right Maariv

In general peace ceremonies are held after the peace... Yesterday at Annapolis they turned this order upside down in order to secure the least popular prime minister, Ehud Olmert's, position.

Shmuel Rosner in left-of-centre, independent broadsheet Haaretz

Bush was never interested in the minute details of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and he never pretended to be a magician who would pull a trick out of his hat to solve it.

<center>OTHER ARABIC</center>

Muhammad Mustafa Shardi in Egypt's opposition daily of Al-Wafd

We are always scurrying in order to attend any peace attempt or initiative proposed by others. We have never tried, in all these years, to impose or commit to an Arab initiative. The Annapolis conference will be held and concluded without any results but the usual photos, statements and promises.

Isam Dari in Syria's government-owned Tishrin

We reiterate that this conference is an opportunity to test the extent of the US administration's seriousness in making peace... The situation cannot stand further postponement, procrastination or escaping from the requirements of just urgent peace. The alternatives are more dangerous.

Yusuf al-Kuwaylit in Saudi independent, pro-government Al-Riyad

In general the expected results of the conference will be a shock to all because putting forward the call for normalisation between Israelis and Palestinians before agreement on solutions is an introduction to failure, and at best may delay the talks.

Editorial in Jordan's independent, pro-government Al-Dustur

The available opportunity is very important and it was established through extensive Arab participation that supported the Palestinian negotiator and very acceptable political commitments by the US Administration. What counts now is the implementation.

Adnan al-Sayyid Husayn in Lebanon's pro-Al-Hariri Al-Mustaqbal

Whatever the case may be, Annapolis is a mere celebratory meeting that will not lead to any settlement.

Editorial in London-based Al-Quds Al-Arabi

Arabs will return from Annapolis, having helped Bush achieve his objectives... However, the results will be totally the opposite, and will only serve the interest of extremism and extremists.

<center>IRANIAN</center>

Editorial in hard-liner; pro-Khamenei Kayhan

The conference is nothing more than a dinner party for America's friends ... We can later compare the Annapolis conference with a Tehran conference to be hold soon with the real representatives of Palestinians and the leaders of Islamic Jihad groups.

<A href="http://www.monitor.bbc.co.uk">BBC Monitoring</A> selects and translates news from radio, television, press, news agencies and the internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages. It is based in Caversham, UK, and has several bureaux abroad.