Harare(ZimEye)The United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe, David Bruce Wharton has said that sanctions against Zanu PF leaders are meant to send a signal that his government is against the abuse of human rights, miscarriage of justice and subversion of democracy in Zimbabwe. In exclusive responses to questions from ZimEye correspondent John Chimunhu, Wharton warned on Thursday that another violent election in 2013 could further isolate Zimbabwe.
JOHN CHIMUNHU: The USA has often been accused of making numerous statements condemning President Mugabe’s excesses without taking concrete action to end the documented gross violations of human rights. What is your response, considering that actions such as sanctions are being used by Zanu PF as an excuse for its violent attacks on political opponents, for example?
WHARTON: The targeted sanctions the U.S. has imposed on 121 individuals and 71 entities are concrete actions aimed at expressing our concern about events in Zimbabwe and bringing pressure to bear on those we believe have the power to improve respect for human rights, the rule of law, and democratic institutions here.
CHIMUNHU: Various governments have issued travel wa
rnings on Zimbabwe, citing a potentially violent referendum and elections. Is the US government concerned that there may be violence in this country? If so, what are you doing about it practically?
WHARTON: U.S. travel advisories and warnings are intended to help American citizens make informed decisions about their
travel. We do not currently have a travel advisory or warning about Zimbabwe, though we do offer an overview of Zimbabwe for Americans considering to travel here. Currently, more Americans visit Zimbabwe as tourists than any other nationality. Political violence plagued Zimbabwe’s elections in 2008, 2005, 2002 and 2000. We urge all political parties and their leaders to do everything they can to make clear to their followers that political violence has no place in elections and will only hurt Zimbabwe. The extent to which political violence is a factor in the expected elections in 2013 will be an important indicator of the election’s credibility and will influence how all tourists regard Zimbabwe as a holiday destination.
CHIMUNHU: Global Witness urged the US authorities to impose sanctions on Sam Pa, the Queensway Syndicate and Sino Zimbabwe, the diamond firm accused of sponsoring CIO clandestine operations against the opposition. Is the US Government going to take any action on this individual together with the named entities?
WHARTON: I will not speculate on this issue.
CHIMUNHU: Zanu PF has made a few gestures in the direction of reform. Are those enough to satisfy Washington to the extent of lifting restrictions on the party’s leaders?
WHARTON: Progress is a process, and trends are important indicators of progress. Ultimately, what matters is that the people of Zimbabwe have confidence in the administration of justice, in respect for human rights, and in democratic processes that honor and reflect the will of the people. Those are the benchmarks that will guide the U.S. approach to Zimbabwe
CHIMUNHU: Is there anything else that you would like to say?
WHARTON: I would like to express my hope that the people of Zimbabwe will come to view each other as compatriots, as people who want to build a strong, just and prosperous future by working together across party, tribal and socio-economic lines. The polarization present today does not help build a better future for Zimbabwe. Thank you
14 Replies to “US Envoy Hint: Zimbabwe Sanctions May Stay”
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Ayaz ini zvangu ini ki ki ki ki vamwe vanhu shuwa.
MaComrades makondo ekuUSA aya they need to be tamed well. Handeyi navo mchinda!
Cde Bla Miki I will be in Illinois next week. Ndofunga tchasangana naChematama ikoko, kikiki
Pamberi nebonyora boyz
the freedom train is umthwakazi wena.
Jumpdaki you should be appeasing the spirit of Robbengura instead of Save’s party of imperialists. You are a confused and deluded individual indeed, as a long what was agreed is adhered to and implemented then who ever wins the upcomming elections can safely translate that to power. The only difficult part is transition which is inevitable in any scenario.
Must read why say further isolate zim and not further isolate individual ministers?
I am tired of appeasing the MDC-T zealots and so the moment of truth has come and I hereby broadcast the truth without fear or favour. MDC-Tea may win elections but they will not win leadership of the country come next elections. Their handlers have correctly read the situation on the ground hence their belly crawling recently meeting ZPF leadership under the shadows.
Why is Mr Warthog saying another violent election will further isolate Zimbabwe and individual minister as the sellout party has repeatedly made us believe?
These people are authors of our economic problems with their illegal untargeted sanctions.
ZANU pee f will romp to victory? My foot. Those were times long gone bro. Stop dreaming as from today muningina. Vanhu vaye vavekuona wena. Vese vavekupfeka magogorosi. Mark my words.
We will sanction loose zip during election time. Wait and find out. Thunderous time to come.
Shiiridog
Targeted sanctions against Chihuridog, Chiwengay, Mugay, Nkomonja, Shiridog, Moyogay, Charambwa, Mutasadog etc etc should all remain in place. Please include Bla Dog on that list as well, as long as the word violence is associated with their party…
Until the very reasons of why they were put in place are eliminated then that is the best option. The rule of law should not be selective or be used to crush contrary public and civil opinion, the arms of state should put their loyalty to the constitution and country, balanced and equal media freedoms for all are some of the prerequisites that the international community, AU and SADC are demanding.
Zimbabwe is clearly not yet ready to be regarded a free and fair society. If you listen to ZBC or read the Herald or other state media then one would witness the pure Rhodesian propaganda being used by a black political party Zanu Pf for its selfish ends. Zanu Pf uses a former Rhodesian trained broadcaster Webster Shamu as its Minister of Information to ensure the covering up of corruption or violence by Zanu pf officials. Without the media reform then I do not see why the punitive action by the international community should be removed.
Sanctions or no sanctions, Zanu Pf will romp to victory while traitors like Chimunhudog will be eating humble pie. Those who want to work with us should start showing now or else the freedom train will leave you behind.