(TALKZIMBABWE) McGee back to military to specialise on Zim

McGee back to military to specialise on Zim
Tue, 05 May 2009 12:06:00 +0000

THE outgoing United States ambassador to Zimbabwe, James McGee has told a South African newspaper that he will be going back to work in the military and his "speciality" will be Zimbabwe.

Asked what was in store for him when he returns to the US, Ambassador McGee told Mail and Guardian newspaper, "I'm going back to the US military, and my speciality will be Zimbabwe. Asked what this meant, McGee said, "You'll find out!"

The US ambassador who was taunted in the Herald newspaper when news of his imminent departure was announced slammed President Mugabe's Zanu PF party for what he termed "their continued mismanagement during the move to a unity Government".

"We want to see all the Government of National Unity partners observing the letter of the agreement," said McGee.

"That means improvements in the rule of law, which is not happening. Farm invasions are continuing; in fact, two farm workers were shot by police two days ago -- two black farm workers trying to make a living. Now what kind of rule of law is that? You're told by one group of authorities you can return to the farm and you're shot by another set of authorities."

McGee was less optimistic about the role of the MDC party in the inclusive Government. He said that party did not have enough clout in government to push for more reforms.

"Zanu PF controls the Central Bank and the security apparatus, and that's very important. The MDC controls Parliament, finance and local governments.

"Zanu-PF still has the ability to say 'we will do what we want', and there's nothing the MDC can do about it. This is where I talk about the lack of political will. And what can the MDC do about it? Their options are limited."

McGee said in spite of all criticism that the US was not forthcoming in its support of the inclusive Government, the country had poured in billions of dollars in assistance to ZImbabwe.

"We've put $1.5-billion into Zimbabwe since 2000 and donor countries combined have brought in a total of $5-billion. In the last year alone the US gave $250-million to Zimbabwe and we want to increase that funding this year. So it's not fair to say the US is not doing enough to assist Zimbabwe. We are doing a hell of a lot."

The outgoing ambassador also said comments in the media that he was friends with MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai only were misplaced.

Media reports suggested that because the MDC leader played golf with McGee, he was a partial figure in Zimbabwean politics -- sympathetic only to the MDC.

McGee said there are a lot more Zanu PF officials he plays golf with.

"A lot has been said about Jim McGee playing golf with Morgan Tsvangirai. But I have relationships with senior Zanu PF officials. Just this last week I was playing golf with two senior Zanu PF figures. And if you keep your eyes open in early May you might see two Zanu PF ministers, Morgan and Jim McGee, playing golf together in a charity tournament."

McGee reiterated that the US had not shifted its stance on Zimbabwe and that relaxation of travel warnings did not amount to a shift in policy on Zimbabwe.

"Lifting travel warnings does not represent any real change in US position on Zimbabwe," said McGee. "I saw a story saying Obama is taking a different direction and that's why I'm leaving. That's not true. The president re-signed the laws that said we will maintain sanctions on Zimbabwe. Is that a different line?"