Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
05KUWAIT5286 | 2005-12-28 13:10:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Kuwait |
VZCZCXRO7910 RR RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHKUK RUEHMOS DE RUEHKU #5286/01 3621310 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 281310Z DEC 05 FM AMEMBASSY KUWAIT TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2348 RUEHEE/ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE |
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 005286 |
1. Summary: The Kuwaiti press was vigorous in its coverage of the new press law which was seen as groundbreaking. The daily Arabic-language newspapers provided readers with some of the modifications proposed by the special panel formed to study the law and also changes that have been made to the law since it was first drafted. The topic has drawn great attention throughout Kuwaiti society as the law is not only seen as one dealing with the press, but also as a step in the direction of freedom of expression and of the press. End Summary. Selected Headlines -------------------------- 2. Sunday, December 25, 2005 -- Al-Qabas, front page, "The government accepts `normal amendments' to `press law'" -- Al-Qabas, p. 22, "Parliamentary consensus on the importance of `press' and disagreement on the penalties" -- Al-Rai Al-Aam, front page, "Al-Muslim to Al-Rai Al-Aam: `press' is a gain and the most of what is permitted and our six amendments are superficial, they do not touch the core and soul of the law" -- Al-Rai Al-Aam, p. 16, "The new press law, taking the historical opportunity or missing it?"; "Al-Basiri: The government and the MPs should overcome their differences and ratify the press law in the most harmonious form"; "Al-Adwa: The `press' should be ratified tomorrow and the amendments should not touch the core or soul of the law"; "Ali Al- Rashid: We will accept the ratification of the press law as is"; "The new press law in the eyes of Ambassadors: more freedom and survival of the fittest" -- Al-Rai Al-Aam, p. 17, "Syndicate members call on MPs to ratify the new press law: more room for opinion and expression, it solidifies democracy and develops freedoms" -- Al-Rai Al-Aam, p. 18, "Al-Muslim to Al-Rai Al-Aam: `educational' added superficial amendments to the `press' and the law will be ratified tomorrow if the government votes for it" -- Al-Watan, p. 3, "Mohamed Al-Basiri: the government's statements on the press law are a conspiracy" -- Al-Seyassah, front page, "An increase in the number of MPs that oppose the press law" -- Al-Seyassah, p. 2, "A difficult birth faces `the press' tomorrow" -- Al-Anbaa, front page, "The agreement between `the Islamists' and `independents' returns `the press' to the educational committee" -- Al-Anbaa, p. 24, "Corruption and Iranian agents in Al- Jaafari's government, Allawi wins with the votes of the ministers, MPs, officials, and employees in the Green Zone" 3. Monday, December 26, 2005 -- Al-Qabas, front page, "`Press' passes with only the modifications of the `educational'" -- Al-Qabas, p. 8, "The problem of penalties and expectations for returning the press law to `educational'" -- Al-Qabas, p. 17, "Al-Tabtabaei: The press law is a large gain" -- Al-Rai Al-Aam, front page, "The press, new version" -- Al-Rai Al-Aam, p. 17, "Al-Basiri: Our happiness will be complete with the ratification of the press law" -- Al-Rai Al-Aam, p. 18, "Egyptian MPs, politicians, and media personnel praised the press law: A democratic step that counts for sheikh Sabah and works towards spreading freedom" -- Al-Watan, front page, "Tug-of-war today between the two branches over the press and pensioners" KUWAIT 00005286 002 OF 002 -- Al-Anbaa, front page, "`Press' eliminates the press's right to defend Kuwait" -- Al-Anbaa, p. 7, "Articles of the law prevent the press from exercising the right to defend Kuwait" Block Quotes -------------------------- 4. Sunday, December 25, 2005 -- Abdul Latif Al-Daej wrote for the moderate daily Al-Qabas under the title "No freedom of expression in Kuwait": "Freedom of expression is to be able to express your opinions without boundaries or criteria. It is an individual's right that neither the press law nor any other law should interfere with. There is no fundamental difference between freedom of expression and freedom of opinion. But, there is a fundamental difference between freedom of the press in any manner and freedom of expression. The new press law includes some flexibility on the right to publish. To reiterate, the positive aspects of the new press law are limited. Therefore, I will continue to say that the new press law did not bring us new freedoms of expressions or opinion and I still challenge the government, the Minister of Information, and Shuaa Al-Qati to prove the opposite." -- Salah Al-Fadly wrote for the moderate daily Al-Rai Al-Aam under the title "So we won't return empty-handed": "The government has made it clear that any modifications made to the text of the law will lead to its refusal as a whole. Everyone knows that the government was not happy when agreeing on the amendments to the law and that it wishes for any trouble that would give it a reason to refuse the law as it previously did on the issue of electoral districts. The government's approval of the National Council's points is a golden opportunity to bring the press law into the light that may not be repeated in the future. We hope the MPs will comprehend the message sent to them and bite their tongues during tomorrow's session so that the law will pass in peace. That is why modifications should be postponed till the law is passed otherwise we will return empty- handed." ********************************************* Visit Embassy Kuwait's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait You can also access this site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website ********************************************* LEBARON |