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