Zimbabwe's state-run newspaper has indicated the government may be backing off the controversial media bill passed this week by parliament. The state-run Herald newspaper reports Saturday that it may take quite some time for the bill to become law - if at all. The report quotes an unnamed source in the Zimbabwe attorney general's office as saying last minute amendments to the bill raised concern among some officials in the government. The source said officials feel the changes were rushed through without proper consultation.

The newspaper report also says administrative steps such as appointing members and staff to the media commission created by the law could take some time. The source indicated government ministers will be too busy with next month's presidential elections to take time to deal with such matters.

The legislation restricts activities by foreign correspondents in Zimbabwe and places new controls on independent local media. Passage of the bill drew widespread international condemnation. Both the United States and Britain denounced the measure. International journalists' groups said the new restrictions will effectively kill any semblance of a free press in Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, the French news agency reports Zimbabwe's main opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, was scheduled to attend his first rally of the presidential campaign Saturday in Gwanda South, a traditional ruling party stronghold. The news service says thousands had turned out for his rally. President Mugabe made his first speech of the campaign Friday. The president blasted Mr. Tsvangirai, calling him a puppet of Britain, the former colonial power.

The elections are scheduled for March 9 and 10. Mr. Tsvangirai is considered to be the strongest challenger the president has faced since he took power in 1980.

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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