The Obama administration had dismissed early appeals from the unitygovernment for reconstruction aid, contending that the mere fact thatPresident Robert Mugabe had brought former opponents into thegovernment was not sufficient for a change in assistance policy.
But it now appears to be taking a more positive view of the politicalsituation in Harare, even while insisting on further reforms.
The United States and European allies imposed targeted travel andeconomic sanctions against Mr. Mugabe and key aides because of pastelectoral and human rights abuses, and have limited aid to Zimbabwe tohumanitarian assistance delivered by non-governmental groups.
The first sign of an easing of policy came in a statement issued aftera State Department meeting of 18 potential donor countries andinternational lending institutions two weeks ago.
The statement by the so-called like-minded countries commended reformefforts by the unity government, which took office in February, andsaid the donor community is ready to support Zimbabwe’s rebuildingeffort with development assistance, provided there are additionalreform steps.
Asked about this week’s new aid appeal by Mr. Tsvangirai, StateDepartment Acting Spokesman Robert Wood said the statement from theMarch 20 meeting reflects U.S. policy. "Provided we see furtherpolitical and economic reforms, the donor community stands ready tohelp rebuild Zimbabwe with development assistance. But that hasn’thappened yet, and there are a number of things that need to take place.And, until we see further reforms, I don’t think we can make any kindof commitment right now to restore our development assistance. However,as you know, we and others in the international community are veryfocused on the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe, and that’s where ourefforts are focused right now," he said.
Mr. Tsvangirai, in his written appeal to the G-20 summit countries,said the unity government has already made small but significantprogress in tackling the country’s economic crisis, including runawayinflation, while acknowledging resistance to reforms by what he termednon-democratic hardliners.
In asking for immediate outside aid, he said Zimbabweans standing upfor democratic ideals should not have to pay a further price becausethe new government does not yet fulfill all of the reform terms set bywould-be donors.
The statement from the March 20 meeting here called for, among otherthings, the release of all Zimbabwean political prisoners, an end tomedia harassment and seizures of commercial farms and a commitment tocredible elections in a timely manner.
It said donors will work closely with the guarantors of the Hararepolitical accord – the African Union and southern African regionalgrouping SADC – in encouraging its full implementation, and said thatsubject to performance by the unity government, they will develop anappropriate framework for re-engagement with Zimbabwe.
In the meantime, they said they would maintain, and to the extentpossible, increase, humanitarian aid programs that have collectivelytotaled just under $1 billion since the beginning of last year.
VOA News
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