MEDIA REACTION - IRAQI ELECTIONS;FEBRUARY 2

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 000475

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;FEBRUARY 2

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


1. Kuwait TV coverage of Iraqi elections remained eclipsed
somewhat due to ongoing reports about Kuwait's response to recent
clashes between security forces and suspected terrorists.
Commentators continue to praise the course of Iraqi democracy
after "thirty years of fear." End summary.

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


2. News Coverage: On February 1, Kuwaiti TV devoted a quarter
hour of straight reporting to the "waiting" period for results of
the Iraqi elections. The segment ran as a second lead story and
followed ongoing reports about the Kuwait's response to recent
clashes between Kuwaiti security forces and suspected terrorists.


3. Speculation about Results: Speculative reports centered on
the likely victory of Eyad Allawi and Abdulaziz Hakeem.... One
reporter noted: "After the Iraqis proved their determination to
the world, they can merely wait and only time will reveal the
results."


4. Yawer's speech: Ghazi Yawer's press conference was also
aired; he stated: "The people making problems during the
elections were not Iraqis. Ask any Iraqi and he will tell you
that they are not Iraqis but people from outside who are trying to
ruin this land. There will be no civil war here."


5. Iraqi Political Analyst: An interview with political analyst
Dr. Abdulrazaq Al-Na'as included his reply to a question about
Yawer's speech: "It was just a message to those who boycotted the
elections. It's also a plea to ensure that Iraqis are united and
so there will be no civil war."


6. From South of Iraq: Coverage filed from Basra: "...the Iraqi
National Accord party seems to be second so far, and the streets
of Basra are very quiet while all await the results."

--------------
Block Quotes
--------------


7. Regular columnist Mohammed Musaed Al-Saleh wrote in
independent Al-Qabas (2/2): "Despite terrorist threats, media the
world over witnessed the admirable stand of the Iraqi people aired
during the elections on January 30th. Interviews featured average
Iraqis saying that, through democracy, Iraqi problems, one of
which is the withdrawal of the foreign forces head by the
Americans and the British, can be solved. The departure of
foreign forces is now certain for they are not prepared to see
their sons dying on foreign soil for any interest. Their presence
is no longer important as they're being replaced by the economy
given the presence of various foreign companies. And control over
the country's capabilities derives from the economy."


8. Liberal columnist Amer Al-Tameemi wrote in independent Al-
Seyassah (2/2): "On Sunday, January 30, the women of Iraq, after
casting votes during the first free elections since 50 years...
rejoiced and ululated... American will and the determination of
Iraq's political leadership enabled them to confront terrifying
challenges. At the same time, the positive response of the Iraqi
people and their perseverance in exercising their democratic
rights by freeing themselves, after thirty-five years, from fear
represents a significant turning point and is a great political
accomplishment in itself... As for the Arab Gulf states, they
want nothing more, while contributing to the process of economic
development with all their financial and international resources,
than to see political stability attained in Iraq. We sincerely
hope the election results will provide a solid foundation to
increase stability and development in all areas of the region."


9. Liberal columnist Abdullah Bishara wrote in independent Al-
Seyassah (2/2): "It is the duty of the Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC) to closely watch the Iraqi elections and the march towards
democracy as it will impact future strategy for political
stability and security in the region. It is in the higher
interests of the GCC Council to see a democratic Iraq representing
ethnic diversity, transparency, and respect for human rights. The
Iraqi elections represented well the different ideologies and
ethnic backgrounds... We welcome a democratic Iraq and call for
embracing mutual interests and common goals to achieve progress
and prosperity for all."

LeBaron