Press Optimistic Ahead of Arab Summit

Syrian media outlets expressed hope for a thaw in the frosty relationship between Damascus and Saudi Arabia and Egypt during an Arab summit in Doha on March 30.



Differences over how to respond to Israel’s offensive in Gaza earlier this year caused a rift, with Damascus accusing the Saudis and Egyptians of taking too soft a line.



“A rapprochement between Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Syria [at the summit] will be of great help in solving regional issues, including improving Egypt’s chances of mediating a successful reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah,” wrote Nizar al-Sahli in an opinion article carried by the pro-government Syrian paper Al-Watan.



Egypt’s foreign ministry spokesman Hossam Zaki blamed Arab disunity for a breakdown in Egyptian-mediated talks between rival Palestinian factions on March 19.



“It’s very difficult for Palestinian reconciliation to succeed given the ongoing Arab conflicts,” he said.



Columnist al-Sahli argued that Cairo and Riyadh needed Damascus to lend legitimacy to the Palestinian peace process.



Meanwhile, the opposition website Levant News said that ahead of the summit in Qatar, Syria has made overtures to show it was sincere about improving regional ties.



As an example, the website cited the regime’s recent decision to ease up on calls for Egypt to open its border with the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.