MEDIA REPORT ZIMABWEANS SEEK ASYLUM IN THE U. S.;

UNCLAS HARARE 001839

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/PDPA FOR DALTON, MITCHELL AND SIMS
NSC FOR JENDAYI FRAZER
LONDON FOR GURNEY
PARIS FOR NEARY
NAIROBI FOR PFLAUMER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL KPAO KMDR ZI
SUBJECT: MEDIA REPORT ZIMABWEANS SEEK ASYLUM IN THE U. S.;
HARARE



1. The lead article in the September 8 edition of the
independent daily "The Daily News" concentrates on
an application for "Temporary Protection Status" by
Zimbabweans living in the United States. Under
headline "Zimbabweans seek U. S. shelter," Farai
Mutsaka, Chief Reporter, quotes extensively from a
letter written by U. S. Senator Raphael Feigngold to
the State Department endorsing the request by the
Association of Zimbabweans Based Abroad (AZBA).
Excerpts of the article follow:


2. "The United States' State Department is considering an
application by Zimbabweans living in the U. S. for
Temporary Protection Status, which would grant illegal
immigrants immunity from deportation until Zimbabwe's
political and economic crisis is resolved, the `Daily News'
has established. The AZBA, which was formed last month,
wrote to the U. S. State Department in August, indicating
that it had become unsafe for Zimbabweans living abroad to
return home. U. S. Senator Raphael Feingold has also
written to the U. S. State Department endorsing AZBA's
request. . .Movement for Democratic (MDC) shadow minister
for foreign affairs Moses Mzila-Ndlovu said the
Zimbabweans' appeal was justified. "These people are
directly contributing to the economy because of the foreign
currency that they send home. It would be unreasonable for
the U. S. Government to repatriate them back home to face
the kind of poverty we are facing right now. It is
imperative that the U. S. Government grants Zimbabwe such
status.' But ZANU PF secretary for external affairs
Didymus Mutasa said Zimbabweans abroad were out to spread
lies about the conditions at home. He said: `They are a
crazy gang on a mission to spread falsehoods about their
mother country. Everything is normal in Zimbabwe, and
anyone who thinks otherwise should have his head examined.
They should not use silly excuses to stay in the U. S.'"

SULLIVAN