GUIDANCE FOR UNSC CONSULTATIONS ON ZIMBABWE

UNCLAS STATE 099202 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNSC PREL PHUM ZI XA ZU KDEM SUBJECT: GUIDANCE FOR UNSC CONSULTATIONS ON ZIMBABWE SEPTEMBER 19 ¶1. (U) This is an action request. USUN should draw from the points in para 2 during the UN Security Council consultations on Zimbabwe September 19. ¶2. (U) Begin points: I would like to thank Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs Haile Menkerios for his briefing on the situation in Zimbabwe. Today, I would like to make three points. First, the United States notes that the agreement signed by the parties on September 15 provides an opportunity to put Zimbabwe on the path to democratic reform and economic prosperity. We are cautiously optimistic that it will give greater voice to the aspirations and will of the Zimbabwean people, as expressed on March 29. If implemented, the agreement offers the people of Zimbabwe a chance to live in peace without fear of violence and intimidation. Furthermore, the agreement notes the State,s responsibility to ensure that all Zimbabweans have access to humanitarian and food assistance. The true test of the agreement will be in its implementation. Second, the United States remains concerned about the welfare of the Zimbabwean people given reports of incidents of government-sanctioned violence and intimidation in some areas of the country. There are reports that so-called war veterans and youth "militia" -- previously organized and funded by the government -- have not been disbanded and continue to assault and harass segments of the population. Third, although we are encouraged by the government,s decision to lift the suspension on the operations of organizations providing humanitarian assistance, we remain seriously concerned by reports that democratic governance and human rights organizations may still face significant challenges to their operations. We hope that under the new government, civil society will be able to operate freely so that Zimbabweans can safely exercise their political rights. We are also concerned that the imposition of certain reporting and monitoring requirements on humanitarian organizations could potentially obstruct much needed food and medical assistance programs. As part of our commitment to help the people of Zimbabwe in their time of greatest need, we have provided over $170 million in food aid and other support inside Zimbabwe. In addition, we have provided $2.5 million for refugees and asylum seekers in neighboring countries. We strongly encourage the commitment of all parties to begin concrete steps to implement the agreement signed on September 15, so that the Zimbabwean people can experience relief, begin recovery, and continue on the path to democratic reform. . Lastly, we thank UN Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs Haile Menkerios for keeping the Council informed of developments in Zimbabwe. RICE