THE United States Senate has kick-started the process of normalising relations between the US and Zimbabwe government by introducing legislation that will see a fresh start from a decade long polarised, confrontational approach, The Zimbabwe Mail can reveal. Senate lobby group, Africa Action today applauded the three members of the U.S Senate for introducing legislation that confronts many of the challenges facing Zimbabwe today.
U.S. Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), and John Kerry (D-MA) introduced The Zimbabwe Transition to Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2010 – bipartisan legislation that aims to address the wide-spread concern growing among activists, civil society and lawmakers that U.S. policy is not flexible enough to adapt to new realities on the ground in Zimbabwe since the formation of the Inclusive Government in 2009.
This Bill aims to help advance the transition to democracy and to promote economic recovery in Zimbabwe.
Gerald LeMelle, Executive Director of Africa Action said, “We applaud Senator Feingold and his colleagues for introducing this critical Bill on Zimbabwe.? This is an important step forward, however, more needs to be done so that U.S. policy is better aligned to support democracy and economic recovery in Zimbabwe.”? He adds, “It is our hope that as this Senate Bill goes through the Congressional process, there will be sufficient input from a diverse range of stakeholders, most importantly, Zimbabwean civil society.”
The current U.S. legislation on Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Economic and Democracy Recovery Act of 2001 (ZEDERA) and an Executive Order declared by President Bush in 2003 and extended by President Obama until March 2010, specifies more than 200 individuals and business entities slapped with a travel ban and whose assets are frozen.
The new U.S. legislation maintains targeted sanctions, however, it makes a commitment for regularly reviewing and updating the list.? In addition, it allows for more support to the forces of democracy and rule of law, not only for civil society, but also the small farmers and small businesses that currently do not have access to loans that would be vital to stimulate employment and the new economy as a whole.? For more analysis on sanctions, click here.
Michael Stulman, Associate Director for Policy and Communications said, “I am pleased to see that U.S. policy is beginning to move from the polarized perspectives we have seen in the past, which limited the scope of engagement with Zimbabwe.”? He adds, “We look forward to working with both the Senate and the House of Representatives to build on this good start and deliver legislation that will meet the needs of those people working towards democracy and human rights.”
The new Senate bill includes provisions that Africa Action has long called for, including:
* Authorize technical assistance to reformist government ministries and to the Parliament in its efforts to amend or repeal repressive legislation.
* Amend the restrictions on assistance for the government of Zimbabwe in the FY10 State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill to make exceptions in the areas of health and education.
* Amend the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-99) to provide greater flexibility for the U.S. to engage the International Financial Institutions, outlining new conditions for U.S. support of any proposed assistance based on how it will be targeted and administered.
* Begin deliberating on the restructuring, rescheduling, or most preferably, the cancellation of Zimbabwes debt held by international financial institutions and private financial institutions.
Post published in: News