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ALERT - ZIMBABWE

2 November 2001

Minister threatens to sue newspaper

SOURCE: Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Windhoek

(MISA/IFEX) - Minister of State for Information and Publicity Jonathan Moyo
has threatened to sue "The Financial Gazette" for publishing erroneous
assertions, "The Herald" reported on 1 November 2001.

Moyo's lawyer, Terrence Hussein of Ranchhold and Company, says his client
was offended by an article that appeared in the newspaper's 25 October
edition, titled "Knives out as Makoni presents budget".

The newspaper reported that Moyo was against the inclusion of Finance
Minister Simba Makoni in price controls negotiations with millers. "The
Financial Gazette" based its story on reports that appeared in the
government-controlled newspaper "The Herald", which questioned Makoni's
impartiality, accusing him of siding with the millers, allegedly because he
once sat on the board of one of the companies. Quoting an unnamed source
that is widely believed to be Moyo, the government-controlled newspaper
questioned Makoni's inclusion in the talks with millers and bakers over
price controls. Moyo's lawyers said the fact that the newspaper did not seek
their client's comment aggravated the matter.

"Our client takes issue with such an irresponsible, unsubstantiated and
careless remark," said the lawyers. In addition, the lawyers said that Moyo
had a good relationship with Makoni and labelled the newspaper's suggestions
as "malicious." "We therefore demand that you retract your erroneous
assertions in your next issue or face legal action," the lawyers said.

For further information, contact Zoe Titus or Kaitira Kandjii, Regional
Information Coordinator, MISA, Street Address: 21 Johann Albrecht Street,
Mailing Address; Private Bag 13386 Windhoek, Namibia, tel: +264 61 232975,
fax: +264 61 248016, e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected],
Internet: http://www.misa.org/

The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of MISA.
In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit MISA.
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