Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05KUWAIT414
2005-01-31 13:03:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Kuwait
Cable title:  

MEDIA REACTION - IRAQI ELECTIONS;JANUARY 31

Tags:  OIIP KU KDMR 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 000414 

SIPDIS

STATE FOR INR/R/MR, NEA/ARP, NEA/PPD, PA, INR/NESA
STATE FOR IIP/G/NEA-SA, INR/B
WHITE HOUSE FOR PRESS OFFICE
LONDON FOR GOLDRICH, PARIS FOR O'FRIEL
USDOC FOR 4520/ANESA/ONE/FITZGERALD-WILKS
USDOC FOR ITA AND PTO/OLIA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KU KDMR
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - IRAQI ELECTIONS;JANUARY 31

-------
Summary
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 000414

SIPDIS

STATE FOR INR/R/MR, NEA/ARP, NEA/PPD, PA, INR/NESA
STATE FOR IIP/G/NEA-SA, INR/B
WHITE HOUSE FOR PRESS OFFICE
LONDON FOR GOLDRICH, PARIS FOR O'FRIEL
USDOC FOR 4520/ANESA/ONE/FITZGERALD-WILKS
USDOC FOR ITA AND PTO/OLIA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KU KDMR
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - IRAQI ELECTIONS;JANUARY 31

--------------
Summary
--------------


1. Kuwaiti TV dedicated extensive coverage to Iraqi elections and
conducted an interview with a former MP and Minister of Education
on the subject. All editorials praised the Iraqi people's courage
in braving the security situation to cast their votes. End
summary.


--------------
Kuwaiti TV
--------------


2. Kuwaiti TV broadcast extensive coverage of and interviews
focused on the Iraqi elections. Forty-five minutes of coverage on
the elections in the main evening newscast hailed them as a
"success." The broadcaster concluded: "Despite difficult
circumstances, the Iraqi people overcame all and cast their
votes."


3. Guest speaker and former MP Dr. Ahmed Al-Rubei expressed his
admiration of the Iraqi people for standing in the face of
terrorism to cast their votes. He said, "We hope Iraq will be
more stable which, in turn, will reflect positively on Kuwait.
They have shown courage and it is a firm blow to those who
threatened the elections. The Iraqi people have sent a message to
terrorists that they are not afraid. The Iraqi people have
suffered, and it is their right to have this opportunity. They
have shown the world that they want democracy." When asked who
would win, Dr. Al-Rubei replied: "There will be various groups,
which is fine, as it is healthy and important. They know what is
best for them and they no longer want to be controlled."


4. Kuwaiti TV correspondents conducted interviews in various
regions of Iraq. All mentioned that the number of voters was
higher than expected in view of the security situation. Kuwaiti
correspondents in Amman and Tehran also filed positive reports
about Iraqi expats casting their votes.


5. President Bush's speech on the occasion was also broadcast in
full with Arabic voice-over.

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Block Quotes
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6. Liberal columnist Salah al-Sayer wrote in independent Al-Anba:
"Iraq is making toward political, economic, and social progress at
an astronomical speed. Iraqis are headed to election centers and
beginning their peaceful march toward democracy with the blessing
of the greatest superpower on earth. Liberation of Iraq was not
the cresting of an earthquake, but the floating tip of the
iceberg. Iraq's liberation by military intervention was the
beginning of a great civil project called the Greater Middle East
Initiative. A new political regime, promised years ago by
President Bush when he described it as `an example to be
followed,' is now emerging in Iraq."


7. Liberal columnist Mohammed Zain wrote in independent Al-
Seyassah: "The people of Iraq have marched forcefully towards the
electoral polling centers to exercise their right to vote, a
practice of which they were deprived for many years. It was a new
and authentic experience, which they accomplished with great
success. The world has applauded them for allowing Iraqi women to
participate alongside their men. We praise every Iraqi who
participated in the elections. By so doing, they are making
strides toward a better future where they will be able to overcome
the terrorists who tried to rob them of their rights with threats
and terror."


8. Liberal and pro-government editor-in-chief Ahmad Al-Jarrallah
wrote in independent Al-Seyassah: "The will of the Iraqi
leadership and the courage of Iraqis have led to the defeat of
terrorism. The extraordinary will of Iraqis has helped them build
the foundation of a modern country while the terrorists' attempts
to scare the people of Iraq away from voting have failed
miserably. Iraq has proven that iron-fisted authority is the only
way to deal with terrorism. The success of the Iraqi elections
has ended misconceptions about `resistance.' Claims that Saddam
Hussein will defeat the United States have vanished into thin
air."

9. Liberal columnist Dr. Ahmad Bishara wrote in independent Al-
Qabas: "Merely from sheer self-interest, Kuwait, unlike the rest
of the countries of the region, came down on the side of Iraq's
liberation. Kuwait's position was formulated on unadulterated
security considerations. Saddam's downfall was an absolute
Kuwaiti goal. From this perspective, the Iraqi elections are a
source of great import to Kuwait and offer a reward with respect
to Kuwaiti-Iraqi relations. Iraq today enters freedom and
democracy through the widest of doors. This is the alternative to
despotic regimes which sow extremism, violence, hate, and the
destruction of man."

LeBaron