GOZ ACCEPTS 18,000MT OF MAIZE FROM THE US

UNCLAS HARARE 001720

SIPDIS

AA/DCHA RWINTER
AFR/SA MWILLIAMS, MCOPSON
STATE FOR AF MBELLAMY, AF/S SDELISI AND MSCHLACHTER
NSC FOR JFRAZIER, JDUNKIN
LILONGWE FOR ROGER COCHELSON
PRETORIA FOR DIRK DIJKERMAN AND AGATT HELMS
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
ROME PLEASE PASS TO FODAG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR PGOV PREL ZI
SUBJECT: GOZ ACCEPTS 18,000MT OF MAIZE FROM THE US



1. (U) On July 25, 2002, USAID met with the Minister of
Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare, Mr. July Moyo,
and with Mr. Lancester Museka, the Permanent Secretary,
regarding the US humanitarian assistance program.


2. (U) During his July 21-24, 2002 visit to Zimbabwe,
Mr. Roger Winter, USAID's Assistant Administrator, Bureau for
Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, offered
approximately 18,000 MT of maize to the Government of
Zimbabwe (GOZ) for distribution by the World Food Program
(WFP). The maize is scheduled to arrive in the region
before the end of the month.


3. (U) In a letter detailing this offer, Mr. Winter asked
the GOZ to provide assurance that the food would be received and
distributed promptly, with any necessary biotech/GMO waivers.
In the July 25 meeting, the Minister agreed to accept the offer
of maize and confirmed that the GOZ will pay and arrange for
immediate milling of the maize. He indicated that we should
expect to receive an official letter to this effect within the
next twenty-four (24) hours, after which he suggested that we
schedule a meeting with his ministry and WFP to work out the
detailed logistics for importation and distribution.

SULLIVAN