MAJOR PLACEMENT OF POWELL BYLINER

UNCLAS HARARE 002493

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/PD, AF/S, AF/PDPA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL KPAO ZI
SUBJECT: MAJOR PLACEMENT OF POWELL BYLINER



1. Harare is pleased to report that the November 14
edition of the government-controlled daily "The Herald"
carried the full text of Secretary Powell's byliner on Iraq
(Washington File story AEF20012 of 11/12/2002).


2. The article got prominent play as the lead opinion
piece on the op-ed page, published under the title "We do
not seek war with Iraq - Powell." Photographs of President
Bush, Secretary Powell and Saddam Hussein accompanied the
article.


3. Comment: Given the current state of US-Zimbabwean
relations, and the "Herald's" customary hostility to US
policy, this placement is a significant one. We do not
believe it signals a change in the "Herald's" editorial
policy, but are nonetheless pleased that they chose to air
our side of the story on Iraq. This placement also
underscores the power of high-profile byliners. End
comment.

SULLIVAN