Mideast media upbeat on Doha

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President Suleiman's refusal to take sides has won him respect

The press in the Middle East remains broadly positive in its overall assessment of the Doha agreement between Lebanon's political factions. Several Iranian and Arab writers said it signified that the region could sort its own problems out without interference from the West.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's 26 May speech generated a mixed response, with an Israeli writer saying it "shattered hopes" that Hezbollah was on the wane, a sentiment echoed by one Lebanese newspaper.

EDITORIAL IN LEBANON'S AL-NAHAR

The Doha agreement is characterised by the fact that it relied for the first time on an internal Lebanese tool rather than a foreign one. Another merit of this agreement is that all the main rivals in the political game are satisfied and feel the grace of victory or the grace of non-defeat. One more merit of this agreement is that it tangibly proved that the secular forces, or reform and change forces, have no space on the Lebanese political map.

ALI HAMADAH IN LEBANON'S AL-NAHAR

In his speech, Nasrallah did not pay much attention to the basic requirement of the majority of Lebanese regarding finding an ultimate solution to the issue of his weapons, which he used against them less than two weeks ago. This has always been a pre-condition for any viable national political settlement.

HEADLINE IN LEBANON'S AL-MUSTAQBAL

Hezbollah spoils Lebanon and Arab celebrations of civil peace and the election of President Michel Suleiman.

AMIT COHEN IN ISRAEL'S MA'ARIV

The speech by Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was a speech for victors... With fresh political achievements and a promise to free all the Lebanese prisoners, it seems that the Hezbollah leader has succeeded in shattering the assessments - not to say the hopes - that his organisation is waning.

SMADAR PERI IN ISRAEL'S YEDIOT AHARONOT

Israel made it categorically clear that Jordanian prisoners will return only to Jordanian hands and the Palestinians will have to wait for the deal to free Gilad Shalit, being brokered by Egypt... The Doha agreement that led to the appointment of a new president in Lebanon this week; the dialogue that opened in Ankara between Israel and Syria caused Hassan Nasrallah to open his eyes: suddenly he is pressed for an immediate achievement.

EDITORIAL IN IRAN

The Doha agreement is an important event not only for the people in Lebanon and all political groups active in the country, but also for all countries in the region. The Islamic Republic of Iran has done whatever it could to foil Israeli and American plots against Lebanon. For the past two years, Iran has used all of its potential and capabilities to create unity among all political parties in the country.

UMAR JAFATLI IN SYRIA'S TISHRIN

The national reconciliation restored to Lebanon the balance and concord, which it has lacked in past months... Hope is pinned on the new era under President Michel Suleiman to implement the Doha agreement so that Lebanon returns to the Arab family, flourishing, stable and harmonious.

ABD-AL-MAJID AL-ZUNAYBAT IN JORDAN'S AL-GHAD

By this agreement, participants saved Lebanon from a civil war and foreign interference which some foreign forces were aiming for. It is a great victory for Lebanon and the Arab League, and a great achievement and a model to be followed in solving all existing Arab problems.

USAMA SARAVA IN EGYPT'S AL-AHRAM

The surprise political agreement has, for the Lebanese, removed all fear of another summer spent under siege, without resources, overshadowed by concern about a present in which they suffer hardships and a future blighted by the fear of a return to civil war.

EDITORIAL IN PAN-ARAB AL-QUDS AL-ARABI

The leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, said weapons should not be used for political gains. He also said that state weapons should not be used to settle scores with any opposition party. This is a clear warning to the new president not to resort to the army in order to disarm resistance groups, as demanded by certain Lebanese pro-government politicians in response to US pressure.

LEBANESE POLITICAL JOURNAL BLOG

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah spoke earlier in the evening. His speech was truculent and non-conciliatory. It was Liberation of the South Day, thus a day for tough speeches, but at this crucial moment in Lebanese history, Lebanese people need guidance from their leaders... Unfortunately, no Lebanese leader has risen to call for true national reconciliation. The celebrations downtown were marred by clashes... This summer will be profitable, but the peace is superficial.

<I><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.</I>