ZIMBABWE: 2005 COUNTRY REPORTS ON TERRORISM

UNCLAS HARARE 001678 SIPDIS SENSITIVE AF/S FOR B. NEULING S/CT FOR R. SHORE S/CT FOR E. SALAZAR NSC FOR SENIOR AFRICA DIRECTOR C. COURVILLE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PTER PGOV PREL ZI SUBJECT: ZIMBABWE: 2005 COUNTRY REPORTS ON TERRORISM REF: STATE 193439 ¶1. (U) This cable responds to reftel request to update information for the 2005 Country Report on Terrorism. -------------- GENERAL ASSESSMENT -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Zimbabwe does not fit the criteria stipulated in paragraph 7 (a) (b) and (c) of reftel instructions. Despite our strained bilateral relationship and the GOZ,s self-imposed isolation on most diplomatic issues, local intelligence and criminal investigative agencies to date have been very responsive to USG needs and concerns regarding terrorist issues. At Embassy request, these agencies have routinely provided assistance by conducting investigative inquiries, traces, and border checks of individuals thought to be threats to USG facilities or personnel. The government in 2004 passed the Anti-Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, which addresses terrorist financing and authorizes the tracking and seizing of assets. Zimbabwe has yet to become a party to the UN International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. -------------- SANCTUARY ASSESSMENT -------------- ¶3. (SBU) There is no credible evidence that the GOZ provides sanctuary to any international or indigenous terrorist group. The GOZ does, however, maintain diplomatic relations with countries identified as being state sponsors of terrorism. Cuba, Iran, Libya, and Sudan have embassies in Harare and there is an emerging North Korean diplomatic presence in country. -------------- INFORMATION ON TERRORIST GROUPS -------------- ¶4. (SBU) No terrorist cells were identified in by the GOZ in 2005 and Post has no reason to believe that any are active in Zimbabwe. In the past, Zimbabwe has not been a good operating environment for terrorist groups due to the country,s oppressive and omnipresent security and intelligence agencies. This operating environment may, however, become more appealing to terrorists if the capabilities of these agencies continue to be eroded by the country,s steep economic decline. -------------- INFORMATION ON FOREIGN GOVERNMENT COOPERATION -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Although the GOZ has not been requested to cooperation in the investigation or prosecution of any terrorist act within the past five years, there exist no known impediments to host government prosecution and/or extradition of suspected terrorists. ¶6. (U) Post,s terrorism reporting officer is Political Officer Bianca Menendez. Her telephone number is (263) (4) 250-593 ext 291 and email addresses are menendezbe@state.gov (unclassified) and menendezbe@state.sgov.gov (classified). DELL