FRANCE/ZIMBABWE: FRENCH TO PROPOSE STRENGTHENING

C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 001366 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/17/2018 TAGS: ETTC PREL KDEM ZI FR SUBJECT: FRANCE/ZIMBABWE: FRENCH TO PROPOSE STRENGTHENING EU SANCTIONS Classified By: Political Minister-Counselor Kathleen Allegrone for reas ons 1.4 (b/d). ¶1. (U) This is an action request (para 4). ¶2. (C) MFA Zimbabwe Desk Officer Isabelle de Boisgelen said on July 17 that France would propose to EU partners at the July 22-23 GAERC that the EU strengthen existing sanctions against Zimbabwe in the wake of the sham election and the failure to obtain UNSC sanctions against the Mugabe regime. Although not specific, Boisgelen said that France would ask the EU to increase the scope of sanctions already in place concerning travel restrictions, asset freezes, and prohibited arms sales. She said that France remained highly engaged on the Zimbabwe issue despite the disappointment at the UN. France hoped that some form of dialogue could be initiated between the government and MDC that would produce a national unity government or some form of power sharing that could lead to proper elections. She was not confident, however, that such could be accomplished given the rigid stance of the Mugabe regime and the demoralization of the political opposition resulting not only from its being denied electoral victory and UNSC sanctions but also from the violence and intimidation it had suffered. Nevertheless, France would keep pushing in this direction, she said, noting France's continuing contact with the MDC. ¶3. (C) Boisgelen, confirming several recent statements by French leaders such as FM Kouchner, said that France did not view the current government as "legitimate" in view of the undemocratic nature of the elections and the fact that the government did not reflect the clear will of the people. Both Boisgelen and AF DAS-equivalent Helene Le Gal (who commented separately on July 17) said that those countries that supported the imposition of sanctions against Zimbabwe should signal their appreciation to (or do something more tangible for) African countries such as Burkina Faso that had had the courage to "stand up to the African majority" and express their disapproval of the Mugabe regime. "We should reward them," Le Gal commented, although she did not offer specifics. Boisgelen said that, regrettably, too many Africans continued to regard Mugabe as "the father of independence" rather than the "father of chaos and destruction." Boisgelen had no doubt that the Zimbabwe issue would cloud the upcoming July 25 EU-South Africa Summit in Bordeaux, particularly given South African President Mbeki's stance towards Mugabe. ¶4. (C) ACTION REQUEST: Boisgelen asked for a comprehensive list of sanctions the U.S. has put in place against Zimbabwe. Embassy Harare has already provided useful material by e-mail but we would appreciate anything further the Department might provide that we could convey to the MFA as it contemplates possible new EU sanctions. Please send any such material by e-mail to rjkaneda@state.gov. END ACTION REQUEST. Please visit Paris' Classified Website at: http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Fran ce STAPLETON