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(NEWZIMBABWE, NEWSDAY SA) US to announce policy shift on Zimbabwe
24/04/2013 00:00:00
by Moses Matenga I NewsDay

THE United States will announce major policy changes in its relations with Zimbabwe in a few weeks’ time, Ambassador Bruce Wharton has said.

Wharton told Star FM on Monday night: “It is my sincere hope that we will announce changes on Zimbabwe policy within the next few weeks, and I hope it will be taken in the context that it has to be taken.”

Wharton said the United States understood that Zimbabwe had no obligation to invite observer missions from Western countries during forthcoming general elections, but he hoped the country will open up to the widest scrutiny.

Asked to clarify on the policy changes, the US Embassy public affairs dean Sharon Hudson said she had no adequate details.

Zanu PF representative during the live phone-in radio programme, Christopher Mutsvangwa, spoke glowingly of the US, describing the country as an “elephant” in the international arena.

“Zimbabwe should look forward to working with America. Anything that makes Zimbabwe-America relations move forward is good for Zimbabwe because we are a small country while America is a big country,” Mutsvangwa said.

Relations between Zimbabwe and the United States have been frosty since the latter imposed sanctions in 2001.

However, the US has since re-engaged Zimbabwe with a view to normalising diplomatic relations. Last week, a State Department envoy Andrew Young called on President Robert Mugabe.

Labels: AMBASSADORS, BRUCE WHARTON, SANCTIONS

posted by MrK @ 6:21 PM