MAURITIUS STANCE ON ZIMBABWE TALKS

UNCLAS PORT LOUIS 000280 SENSITIVE SIPDIS AF/E FOR MARIA BEYZEROV AF/S FOR GARLAND AND PELLETREAU E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL SADC ZI MP SUBJECT: MAURITIUS STANCE ON ZIMBABWE TALKS REF: STATE 79617 ¶1. (SBU) On August 1, Ambassador Cabrera, accompanied by DCM as notetaker, delivered reftel demarche to Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Anund Neewoor. Neewoor acknowledged the demarche points and suggested that the framework for talks between Mugabe's ZANU-PF party and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change is a positive step towards a resolution. Neewoor added that Mauritius is "on the same wave length" as the United States, noting in particular that Mauritius would like to see Mugabe out either via new elections or via negotiations. A dignified departure of Mugabe from power would be "the best for Zimbabwe, Africa and the world." ¶2. (SBU) Secretary Neewoor noted the recent talks as evidence that the "quiet diplomacy" of the SADC designated facilitator, President Thabo Mbeki, is working. According to Neewoor, these recent talks vindicated the GOM's long-held stance of making no independent commentary on Zimbabwe. ¶3. (SBU) When asked for information on what GOM plans to do to support the current process, Neewoor only noted the GOM's support for the inclusion of Zimbabwe on the agenda for the upcoming August 15 SADC summit in South Africa. He added, however, that he anticipates a "breakthrough" in negotiations prior to the summit which could preclude the need to raise it in SADC. CABRERA