DEMARCHE: ZIMBABWE TALKS

UNCLAS LILONGWE 000449 SENSITIVE SIPDIS LONDON FOR PETER LORD, DEPT FOR AF/S - ELIZABETH PELLETREAU E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL SADC ZI MI SUBJECT: DEMARCHE: ZIMBABWE TALKS REF: STATE 079617 ¶1. (SBU) Charge Sullivan presented points in reftel demarche to Deputy Foreign Minister Henry Mumba July 29. Sullivan urged that when consulted by President Mbeki concerning his mediation efforts, the GOM advocate for a negotiated solution that reflected the will of the Zimbabwean people as expressed in the March 29 elections. ¶2. (SBU) Mumba replied that the GOM was pleased that talks were taking place and hopeful that they would lead to a real solution in Zimbabwe. He also hoped that when a solution was found, sanctions would be eased and international partners would quickly address Zimbabweans, dire economic situation. The Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized the GOM,s strong support for President Mbeki's leadership in the mediation, and said that Malawi would not make any public statements that would condition or undermine that support. Mumba remarked that it would difficult for outsiders to impose any elements of a solution on Zimbabwe, including who would serve as president. Mumba said that the most recent round of elections had officially resulted in President Mugabe,s reelection; while those results could be questioned, in the meantime Mugabe remained head of state. ¶3. (SBU) The Charge reiterated that from the USG's standpoint, no government should recognize the outcome of the second round of elections, which had been essentially nullified by the widely-recognized violence and intimidation against opposition leaders and supporters. Mumba took the point, but again argued that only Zimbabwean leaders could determine what specific political arrangements would be most appropriate at this juncture. In response to a question from Mumba, the Charge also provided that latest information concerning new U.S. sanctions against members of the Mugabe regime. ¶4. (SBU) COMMENT: The GOM appears unlikely to take a forceful position with respect to Mugabe's participation in a unity government, and will instead probably stick to supporting whatever strategy Mbeki pursues. SULLIVAN