DAS SUSAN D. PAGE:
My visit to Zimbabwe this week highlighted a country buoyed by massive opportunity yet gripped with uncertainty. The United States remains committed to working with the people of Zimbabwe to achieve our common goal of seeing a more stable and prosperous Zimbabwe.
The United States is concerned by the increase in political violence, wanton intimidation of the public and partisan arrests and prosecutions that have occurred recently. It is clear that these actions are being perpetrated by individuals and segments of the state security apparatus affiliated with elements within ZANU-PF. Having said that, we applaud President Mugabes clear statement on February 26 that violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We hope that President Mugabe, as head of state and commander in chief of the armed forces, also conveys that message to the police and security services. The credibility of that statement, however, ultimately will be reflected in how it is honored. The United States believes that ZANU-PF will be a part of Zimbabwes future. In order to play a constructive role, ZANU-PF must reject the use of violence and fear in its operations. Similarly, we recognize that not everyone within the Zimbabwe Republic Police and armed forces supports or is engaged in violence. The United States applauds those patriots serving their fellow citizens and their country by maintaining law, order, and stability. I urge these security service members to stand up to the partisan few among them who are intent on abusing their positions, and their fellow citizens, for personal gain. Service to extremists within one party is not service to the nation.
The United States supports a transformation of Zimbabwe to democracy and a return to prosperity. We applaud the commitment of the three parties to the Global Political Agreement (GPA) to develop and adopt a new constitution before holding elections. We support the Southern African Development Communitys (SADC) lead in developing a roadmap for credible elections to be held in Zimbabwe. However, it is up to the people of Zimbabwe to reach consensus on when those elections should be held. The United States stands prepared to assist the Zimbabwean people to enhance the strength and capacity of their electoral institutions and civil society organizations to help ensure that the next elections, when they are called, are credible, free of violence, and represent the will of the Zimbabwean people. While those parties in government progress along the roadmap to democratic elections, they must honor their commitments and obligations under the GPA, their responsibilities in government, and their commitment to deliver services to the people.
It is clear from my many meetings and discussions with a wide array of Zimbabweans both here and in Bulawayo, that Zimbabwes economy has significant opportunities for growth and employment. We have seen a notable increase in American and international business interest in the countrys newly-revived economy and the U.S. Embassy here has increased significantly its outreach to the American private sector to draw attention to local opportunities. At the same time, foreign companies will not expose themselves to investment risks here in Zimbabwe until a clear and consistent set of ground rules governing the protection of private property, the sanctity of contracts, and unbiased enforcement of the law are in place. True empowerment comes when a vibrant economy provides jobs, opportunities, food for peoples families, and hope for the future.
A rising tide lifts all boats. We see that this is happening now in Zimbabwe but only to a limited degree. Substantial growth and development is waiting for the stability and security that will come once the rule of law is enforced, core business principles are respected, corruption is diminished, and all people are able to freely express themselves in a peaceful manner. Currently, a small band of detractors focused on personal profiteering at the expense of others is holding the entire country down. The Zimbabwean people deserve better and the American people are eager to partner with you for the empowerment of all Zimbabweans. Thank you. (END STATEMENT)
(PAO interjects to begin moderating questions)
QUESTION: We understand that you meant to pay a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. Did the meeting, ah, did you fail to meet the minister?
DAS PAGE: I did pay a courtesy visit on the Ministry of Mines, and I met with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and his team. It was a very cordial meeting, discussing events around the Kimberly Process, and, of course, the status of where things are with respect to the Marange diamond fields. Nothing extraordinary except to say that it was important that I touch base with the various ministries and government officials, private sector, civil society, political parties, basically Zimbabweans from all walks of life so that I can gather a real sense from people on the ground for an important country that I cover. The ministry of mines was no exception.
QUESTION: How much is the wave of protests in North Africa a concern to Washington, and what do you think is the problem and the solution?
DAS PAGE: Thank you. I think that with respect to Zimbabwe, Im not so sure that the waves of protests in North Africa are playing that much of a dramatic role or effect here in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean people have a very rich and long history of peaceful protest and trying to go to the ballot box to remove or change their government to express their views. They have functioning institutions that obviously have diminished with time but can still play a very robust role here. So the concern that we have in Washington about what is happening is related to those countries and the effect it will have worldwide. I think what it shows the world, and not just the United States, is that, as President Obama said in his speech in Accra, Ghana last year, what it does demonstrate is the strength that is needed from institutions and not from strong individuals. So that, I think is the lesson that we need to pay particular attention to — the institutions — that can be the judiciary, the executive branch, the legislative branch, electoral institutions, civil society playing a role in that, human rights organizations or commissions. Those are the elements that can help foster or strengthen democratic regimes in the world. (Watch Video)
QUESTION: From your statement you expressed concern over the increased cases of political violence and, if I heard you very well, you cited security agents as perpetrators of such violence. Yesterday, we had Commissioner General of police giving oral evidence before Parliament and from his figures, 101 cases of reported cases of political violence was perpetuated by the MDC, while ZANU-PF had 20 cases of political violence. How do you substantiate your statement?
DAS PAGE: Well, I would just say that we heard that report. It is not up to us to substantiate the statements or the cases, but we certainly hope that all parties will play a role in ending violence and making sure that whether violence is perpetrated by one side or another side or is reacted to will result in a decline in violence. As I read in my statement, we are encouraged by, we are happy to learn of the Presidents statement of February 26th to decline the use of violence and we hope that will be in fact be appropriately stated and enforced to the agents of security or security apparatus. As I mentioned, it is not everyone in the country who is a security service member, police member, or member of the CIO (Central Intelligence Organization) etc. who are engaged in violence. There are groups of people who are, and we encourage the investigation into those incidents and respect for the rule of law.
QUESTION: What are your chances of becoming the deputy chair of the KPCS?
DAS PAGE: The Kimberly Process Certification Scheme, or the KP in shorthand, is a consensual based mechanism. Our objective is not so much to become deputy chair or vice chair of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme but rather to try and make sure that the Kimberly Process works as it should, and that all members of the Kimberly Process are able to follow the rules that are enshrined in the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme so that they can export their raw diamonds for the benefit of their people. (Watch Video)
QUESTION: I would divert you a bit to the issue of sanctions. What do you say to the anti- sanctions campaign drive which has kicked off now? Are you likely to negotiate with fellow Americans to remove sanctions or do you still think there isnt much that has been done to warrant the removal of sanctions?
DAS PAGE: Yes, we believe that. Let me just speak first about the rally, we think that is a perfectly legitimate use of the right to political expression, freedom of expression and freedom to gather. We would encourage and hope that that right will be permitted for all Zimbabwean citizens — to gather and express their views. That has not been the case in many instances. In the United States, and in many countries around the world, people get together, they have petitions, they have drives to express their views. That is perfectly legitimate. Again, we would just hope that it would be available to all people to be able to use, to have that ability and that freedom thats in fact, enshrined in the international covenant on civil and political rights, a UN document that the government, the republic of Zimbabwe has acceded to. So we would hope that that would be allowed and permitted for all people.
In terms of the actual sanctions themselves, we do believe that the sanctions play a vital role in helping to encourage the government and all parties in it to participate in democratic transformation here. And we believe that is necessary to keep until we see that the perpetrators of violence, those who are refusing to allow democracy to thrive will in fact be punished.
Let me just say that the sanctions list has less than 120 Zimbabweans on it. That means they cannot travel to the United States and access bank accounts that they have in the United States. We believe it is important for them not to have access to ill-gotten gains that they have received that do not benefit the people of Zimbabwe, so until that changes we will be keeping our sanctions on. (Watch Video)
QUESTION: You said that the United States believes that ZANU-PF is central to Zimbabwe. Speaking about sanctions, they have not had the kind of effect that the United States hopes they will have. And now you are saying that ZANU-PF is central to the United States. Does that mean that you are going to be negotiating, are you going to compromise?
DAS PAGE: Well, first of all, I think you misconstrued or misheard what I said. I believe that ZANU-PF will be a central part in Zimbabwes future; I think that is just reality. And what I also said was that in order to be a strong relevant player, they need to change their tactics and not use violence, not use fear and intimidation in order to achieve their objectives. In terms of sanctions, as I just mentioned, I did not say they are not effective, or that they were not achieving the objective that we set. Again we have targeted very specific and limited number of people that we believe have hindered the progress of Zimbabwe. We do believe sanctions are still an effective tool, and so we will not be negotiating with anyone. We will use our foreign policy tools, which is only but one of the foreign policy tools that we have, just like my visit here. We have a full ambassador here; we have a full embassy; we have various agencies that are working under the authority of the chief of mission, the Ambassador. Zimbabwe also has a full diplomatic mission and ambassador in the United States in Washington and in New York. These are all part of the toolkits that we use as part of our diplomacy. (Watch Video)
QUESTION: Yes, back to the Kimberly Process, the U.S. has raised concern in the past over alleged human rights abuses in Marange. Do you think Zimbabwe has done enough to improve and meet the Kimberly Process standards to warrant resumption of trade in diamonds?
DAS PAGE: I dont know. I think that is up to the Zimbabwean people, and the ministry and the arrangements that they have with the companies to make sure that the violence goes down and that the minimum standards of the Kimberly Process, not just in terms of those mining companies, are met. And thats not just for the United States, thats for the benefit of the process to which they have signed up to, and to benefit all partners in the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme.
QUESTION: Do you think SADC, as guarantors of the Global Political Agreement, are doing enough to ensure its full implementation? Because we have always had complaints that they are not doing enough.
DAS PAGE: Well, the reality is that at the end of the day, no one can force anyone to do something that they do not want to do. As guarantors, they are hoping to make progress; they have committed to developing an electoral roadmap. They, I know, were here, just a week ago or so, discussing again with the principals. So I hope that they will continue to play that vital role of holding the parties accountable to what they signed up to. But ultimately, any political agreement is subject to the will of those people who signed it. And so we encourage the three partners and their political parties to abide by their commitments under the Global Political Agreement and be able to hold elections under a new constitution and move forward getting Zimbabwe back on the path to democracy and governance, freedom of press, and freedom of speech. There are a number of things that are in the Global Political Agreement that lay that out. Hopefully, these things will be enshrined in the new constitution that will go through the referendum process and, if it is acceptable to the Zimbabwean people, then they will go forward with elections under that. I think that the region is important. Zimbabwe is not alone; it is a member of SADC and a strong member of the region. We all would all like to see it prosperous again.
QUESTION: Are there any plans as the U.S. government to assist media freedom in Zimbabwe and freedom of expression particularly for ordinary Zimbabweans?
DAS PAGE: We do. We have, let me just speak a little bit about the kind of assistance that we have been giving to Zimbabwe over the course of the Global Political Agreement that has been in place in the last two years. In 2009, we provided over US$300 million to support Zimbabwean efforts at recovery- humanitarian relief, HIV and AIDS, agriculture, text books, education — so we have a vast program. We have just increased our funding for HIV and AIDS. We have through USAID, through organizations that are working with them, NGOS, civil society organizations that are working to strengthen the media commission that has been set up. We would like to see the media commission really robust and operating fully, with newspapers being able to open, for journalists to be able to gather at places like this, and to be able to report accurately and professionally on whats happening. Thats not just in the print media, but also on the airwaves and elsewhere. We are not seeing a lot of that yet, but we are hoping in our support for communications that will be part of our support.
Let me just say in closing, I have had a wonderful trip here to Zimbabwe. I have been coming to Zimbabwe since 1994, and it is always a pleasure to be back. The Zimbabwean people are warm and generous and graceful, and it has been a pleasure. I have received excellent support from the U.S. mission. I would want to especially thank the Ambassador, the Public Affairs Office, and all of the sections that have made my trip so wonderful. But mostly of course, its a trip committed to the Zimbabwean people. Thank you all very much for welcoming me.
Post published in: News