Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08STATE62605
2008-06-10 23:56:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

U.S. STATEMENT FOR UNSC INFORMAL CONSULTATIONS ON

Tags:  PHUM PREL UNSC XA ZI 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0002
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #2605 1630004
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O P 102356Z JUN 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 2117
INFO RUEHSB/AMEMBASSY HARARE PRIORITY 2602
UNCLAS STATE 062605 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL UNSC XA ZI
SUBJECT: U.S. STATEMENT FOR UNSC INFORMAL CONSULTATIONS ON
ZIMBABWE JUNE 12


UNCLAS STATE 062605

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL UNSC XA ZI
SUBJECT: U.S. STATEMENT FOR UNSC INFORMAL CONSULTATIONS ON
ZIMBABWE JUNE 12



1. This is an action request. USUN may draw from the
talking points in para 2 below during UNSC informal
consultations on the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe on
June 12. USUN should also draw on these points in speaking
to the press after the consultations.


2. Begin talking points:

-- We appreciate U/SYG Pascoe,s briefing on the worsening
humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe. We are deeply troubled
by the downward spiral in the welfare of the Zimbabwean
people as a result of government-sanctioned violence against
opposition leaders and supporters and government restrictions
on the operations of NGOs.

-- Since the March 29 election, 54 people have been murdered
for the mere suspicion of supporting the opposition, hundreds
have been arrested, and tens of thousands have been injured
or forced to flee their homes.

-- On June 5, the Zimbabwean government extended its campaign
of intimidation to NGOs, indefinitely suspending their
operations and thereby turning its back on the humanitarian
needs of its own people.

-- The government has even begun to use food relief as a
political weapon to achieve favorable election results. On
June 6, Manicaland Governor Chugudu, "war vets," military,
and police hijacked a truck hired by Catholic Relief Services
and diverted 20 metric tons of U.S. Government humanitarian
food destined for hungry school children to ZANU-PF
supporters assembled at a
political rally in Mutare.

-- We welcome the UN Country Team,s June 6 Statement on the
Deteriorating Humanitarian Situation, and join the UN in
calling on the Government of Zimbabwe to immediately rescind
the decision to suspend PVO/NGO field operations and to allow
access of basic humanitarian assistance to vulnerable
populations throughout the country.

-- We fear the situation will only get worse in the days
leading to the June 27 election, with inevitable humanitarian
and political consequences for Zimbabwe,s neighbors. The
effects of the Zimbabwean government's policies are already
being felt throughout the region. For example, people of
Mozambican and Malawian origins living and working in
Zimbabwe have in many cases been forced to return to their
countries. And in South Africa, Zimbabweans who are fleeing
to escape economic collapse and political unrest have been
the target of vicious anti-foreigner attacks. The situation
is clearly threatening stability in the region.

-- We have supported and continue to support African efforts
to resolve the crisis. Unfortunately, there is no indication
to date that President Mugabe or his senior leadership is
listening. We hope that Assistant Secretary General Haile
Menkerios will be received by President Mugabe and permitted
to work unhindered in facilitating a free and fair election.

-- We believe a free and fair Presidential election on June
27 is vital to the stability of Zimbabwe and of the region
and believe the Security Council must remain engaged as the
election date approaches.
RICE