Arabic press slams US 'bias'

The visit to the region by US Secretary of State Colin Powell's for talks with the Israeli prime minister and his Palestinian counterpart has done little to placate the Arabic press, with Sunday's papers accusing Washington of bias towards Israel.

---

Israeli terrorism, its killing and defamation of the Palestinian people are all regarded by the US as an effort towards peace and the struggle against terrorism, despite the number of Palestinian victims resulting from all this... While all the countries are striving for peace and stability in the region, the US stands alone in its persistent demand to exert pressure on the Palestinians and curb all activities of opposition groups, without touching Israel at all.

Tishrin - Syria

---

In the Powell-Sharon press conference, it became clear how close the US and Israel are in their aggressive stances towards Palestinian groups.

Al-Jazirah - Saudi Arabia

---

The aim of the extraordinary efforts and initiatives being undertaken in the region by the US is not meant to achieve a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue. The only objective is to secure security for the Zionist state, because the priority on Washington's agenda is to guarantee Israel's security.

Al-Khalij - United Arab Emirates

---

Although the US has adopted the roadmap, which reflects the international community's vision in resolving the Palestinian issue, Washington is very much aware that it is impossible to implement the roadmap in accordance with international legitimacy; it is only possible to implement in accordance with the wishes of the Zionists.

Al-Bayan - United Arab Emirates

---

The US position on Palestinian liberation organisations is quite similar to Israeli justifications for its daily attacks on Palestinian people.

Al-Jumhuriyah - Egypt

---

America is neither fit nor capable of ruling the world because it lacks credibility. America measures the world through a Zionist mirror.

Al-Vefagh - Iran, Arabic-language

---

It is apparent that US pressure on Israel has prevented Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon from implementing his plans to abort the roadmap.

Al-Ahram - Egypt

---

We would not ask the international community to repatriate five million Israelis to their original countries, instead we demand that it facilitates the return of six million Palestinians to their homes.

Al-Jamahiriyah - Libya

---

BBC Monitoring, based in Caversham in southern England, selects and translates information from radio, television, press, news agencies and the Internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages.