Cablegate: Media Reaction War with Iraq; Harare

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS HARARE 000649

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/PDPA FOR DALTON, MITCHELL AND SIMS
IRAQ OD FOR SMITH, PINESS AND ROOKARD
NSC FOR JENDAYI FRAZER
LONDON FOR GURNEY
PARIS FOR NEARY
NAIROBI FOR PFLAUMER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: IZ PREL KPAO KMDR ZI
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION WAR WITH IRAQ; HARARE

1. Editorials in the March 30 edition of the
government-controlled weekly "The Sunday News" and its
sister daily "Chronicle" published on March 29 accused
the United States pursuing similar policies in Iraq
and Zimbabwe. Excerpts:

2. Under headline "We must reject violence" the
government-controlled weekly "The Sunday News" (03/30)
comments:

". . .The ongoing invasion of Iraq by the U.S.
and Britain has reminded the world once again
that militarily superior countries will trample
on developing countries without so much of a
worry. If the so-called Western coalition that
is sponsoring violence in Zimbabwe and also
waging war in Iraq really values democracy,
human rights and the rule of law, those
countries would not have declared war without
the authority of the U.N. Security
Council. . ."

3. Under headline "A case of double standards" the
government-controlled daily "Chronicle" (03/29)
comments:

". . .We are not amused at the double standards
of the Americans who want to tell Zimbabwe how
to deal with those breaking the law. America
should apply the same principles when dealing
with those demonstrating against the Iraqi war
or forever hold its peace. We cannot allow the
kettle to call the pot black. We urge the
American public to rise against the killing of
innocent civilians in Baghdad in the name of
civilization. . . Somebody must stop this
lunatic called George Bush, lest the whole world
be held to ransom in his quest to boost his
ego."

SULLIVAN

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