MEDIA REACTION WAR WITH IRAQ; HARARE

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