CANADA JOINS UNSC IN CONDEMNING ZIMBABWE GOVERNMENT

UNCLAS OTTAWA 000874 C O R R E C T E D C O P Y /// REMOVE CAPTION - ADD PARA MARKS /// SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM UNSC ZU ZI CA SUBJECT: CANADA JOINS UNSC IN CONDEMNING ZIMBABWE GOVERNMENT ¶1. (U) Summary: Canada endorsed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) statement on June 24 condemning the Government of Zimbabwe for its actions during the current presidential election period. Canada stated that violence by Zimbabwean state agents had "contaminated" the election, called for the engagement of African leaders, pledged to promote firm action against the current Zimbabwean government, and called on Zimbabwean authorities to cooperate in finding a peaceful solution to allow the rebuilding of Zimbabwe and the restoration of regional stability in Southern Africa. End summary. ¶2. (U) Minister of Foreign Affairs David Emerson issued a statement on June 24 welcoming the engagement of the UNSC in the electoral situation in Zimbabwe. In particular, Canada agreed "fully" with the UNSC presidential statement on June 23 condemning the actions of the Government of Zimbabwe, including its conclusion that the results of the March 29 elections must be respected. Canada endorsed the assessment by opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai that conditions in Zimbabwe will not allow for free and fair elections to take place on June 27 and stated that "the Government of Zimbabwe will not be legitimate without a free and fair vote." ¶3. (U) Further, Canada said the "alarming" campaign of human rights violations and politically motivated violence, committed largely by state security and paramilitary groups, and restrictions on the opposition's ability to campaign freely, have "contaminated" the electoral environment. Canada re-emphasized the importance of the engagement of African leaders, particularly those in neighboring countries, in ensuring respect for democratic principles agreed to by these African countries. ¶4. (U) Canada endorsed the UNSC's call on Zimbabwean authorities to cooperate fully with all efforts to find a peaceful way forward, through dialogue between the parties, to allow the formation of a legitimate government that reflects the will of the people of Zimbabwe. Canada pledged to continue to work with others to promote firm action against the current Zimbabwe Government. BREESE