US embassy cable - 05KUWAIT475

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 
 
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Summary 
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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. 
 
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Kuwaiti TV 
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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." 
 
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Block Quotes 
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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