AMBASSADOR SPEAKS OUT TO MEDIA ON ZIMBABWE

UNCLAS MASERU 000166 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE FOR AF/S, AF/PD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SCUL ZI LT SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR SPEAKS OUT TO MEDIA ON ZIMBABWE REF: MASERU 34008 AND PREVIOUS ¶1. (U) Ambassador June Carter Perry made a March 16 live statement condemning the situation in Zimbabwe for Lesotho's nationwide television network and for the Lesotho National and Regional Press Services which distributes to national radio outlets. Emphasizing the inhumane treatment of opposition leaders, the Ambassador, expressed our deep concern over the deteriorating situation, the Mugabe regime's gross violation of human rights and its undermining of the democratic process. She called for Lesotho as Chair of SADC to come forward with its own statement and to urge other SADC member states to do the same. This message reached audiences across the country. ¶2. (SBU) In private conversations March 14 and 15 with Lesotho's Prime Minister Mosisili (and his senior Ministers) and on March 18 with SADC Executive Secretary Salomao, Ambassador Perry pressed the same points and the need for national and regional actions to address Zimbabwe. There was no disagreement with the points, but we await confirmation of actions to be taken, either privately or through the March 21-23 SADC Ministerial Council planned to take place in Maseru. PERRY