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(TALKZIMBABWE) US urged to seize opportunity offered by Tsvangirai

US urged to seize opportunity offered by Tsvangirai
Samantha Chidzero
Fri, 12 Jun 2009 02:30:00 +0000

AFRICA ACTION has released a statement urging the US Government to seize the opportunity offered by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to initiate fundamental reforms in U.S. policy towards Zimbabwe.

Prime Minister Tsvangirai is on his first official state visit to Washington, DC where he is set to meet with President Barack Obama today (Friday). On Thursday the PM met with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Africa Action expressed "great concern" over a statement this week attributed to Johnnie Carson, assistant secretary of State for African Affairs.

In an interview published Monday on Reuters, Carson made an announcement that the U.S. has no plans to shift policy on Zimbabwe.

“It will be a grave mistake if the U.S. fails to come up with a new policy consistent with the changing developments on the ground in Zimbabwe,” responded Gerald LeMelle, Executive Director of Africa Action.

Africa Action has long called for a policy that is not for or against any individuals but a policy based on advancing the human rights, and democratic and economic interests of the people of Zimbabwe.

“The U.S. must adopt a new approach in Zimbabwe that advances the transition towards democratic governance, economic security, truth, justice and reconciliation,” said LeMelle.

The U.S. policy towards Zimbabwe today is limited to sanctions while assisting with humanitarian assistance.

Michael Stulman, Associate Director of Policy and Communications said; “Continuation of U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe at this point will not help strengthen democracy. In fact, this is economic coercion that is more harmful than it is helpful.”

Africa Action is the oldest organization in the US working on African affairs. It seeks "to change U.S. foreign policy and the policies of international institutions in order to support African struggles for peace and development."

By changing the policies of our own government, we have proven that we can make a real difference, says the organisation.

Labels: AFRICA ACTION, GERALD LEMELLE, MORGAN TSVANGIRAI, ZDERA

posted by MrK @ 5:15 AM