[Media-watch] Arab media 'misrepresenting US tactics' - ABC - 14/04/2004

[Julie-ann Davies]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s1086187.htm
Last Update: Tuesday, April 13, 2004. 11:46am (AEST)

Arab media 'misrepresenting US tactics'
General John Abizaid, the head of US Central Command, is criticising the
coverage of conflict in Iraq by Arab television networks Al-Jazeera and
Al-Arabiya.

General Abizaid insists that American forces do not target civilians.

He says the Arab press, and in particular Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabiya, are
portraying US military action "as purposely targeting civilians, and we
absolutely do not do that, and I think everybody knows that".

"They have not been truthful in their reporting. Haven't been accurate," he
said.

Widely watched across the Arab world, Al-Jazeera is frequently criticised by
US authorities for broadcasting anti-American sentiments.

"It is absolutely clear that the American forces are doing their very best
to protect civilians and at the same time get out the military targets
there," General Abizaid said.