PERSONAL FAX TO: His Honourable President Robert Mugabe

With the World Newspaper Association holding its first-ever meeting in Africa at the Cape Town Convention Centre between 3 and 6 June, free press and freedom of expression are at the top of many current agendas. The theme of WAN’s largest Congress in its 60 year history is “The Future of the Newspaper and Quality Journalism in the Digital Age” - a theme of central interest to PEN. Action against editorial staff in Zimbabwe and against the DAILY NEWS are utterly unacceptable in terms of the Charter of International PEN, and are of deep concern to MY PEN.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN CENTRE OF INTERNATIONAL PEN

A World Association of Writers

PERSONAL FAX TO: His Honourable President Robert Mugabe,

EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE

22^nd September 2003

Dear Mr President,

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND FREE PRESS

In my letter of 28^th October 2002 I referred to the New Partnership for African Development promoted by the South African government and strongly supported by most South Africans. I suggested that free expression and a free press were at the base of good governance and I quoted a resolution of International PEN dated September 2002. Another year has passed and now the DAILY NEWS is closed.

I am a South African and I happen to believe that democracy is the best system for my country and for the southern African region. I also believe that democracy operates best when people can express themselves freely and when the press is free. I also think that a loyal opposition is an essential institution of democracy and believe that our South African Constitution is a shining example of democratic principle.

For the sake of all of us in this part of the world, I plead with you to set the process in train which will ensure a return to the rule of law in Zimbabwe, ensure the continuing independence of your judiciary, the freedom of the press and the right of your citizens to express themselves freely. South Africa went through a stage of turmoil to reach agreement on a great Constitution in 1996 - which honours these fundamental principles of democracy. Would it not be a great statesman-like gesture to set a vital revival process in train in your country?

Thank you,

Yours sincerely,

Anthony Fleischer

President.

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