Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee: Thank you for inviting me to testify today. I would like to briefly outline U.S. policy toward Zimbabwe, and offer the State Department's assessment regarding the presidential election in that country which is now only 9 days away.
Zimbabwe's rapidly declining economy and political instability are taking a toll on southern Africa as a region, discouraging foreign investment, creating the potential for a refugee crisis, and reducing trade within the region. A food shortage -- created largely due to the government's policies and actions -- threatens to develop into a true humanitarian crisis. U.S. efforts working with countries in the region to promote stability and development through regional integration have been seriously undermined by the actions of Zimbabwe's government.
As Zimbabwe's crisis has deepened, the U.S. Government has worked on several fronts to support democracy, restore the rule of law, and end human rights abuses. Our extensive diplomatic efforts have helped mobilize international pressure against an increasingly despotic regime. In the face of continuing violence and repression, international scrutiny has given hope and encouragement to those struggling for peaceful democratic change, and the international spotlight now trained on Zimbabwe has almost certainly helped mitigate some of the worst abuses orchestrated by a government that is desperate to stay in power. Although impossible to quantify, I believe that our efforts have helped save innocent lives.
For many years and throughout the period of the current crisis, the U.S. Government has maintained a substantial assistance program to help the people of Zimbabwe. Our democracy and governance programs have made some progress toward leveling the political playing field by strengthening democratic institutions including the parliament, civil society, and independent media. We have provided significant funding to help Zimbabwe combat the tragic HIV/AIDS pandemic. Those working to promote democracy, a strong economy, and social justice in Zimbabwe have repeatedly told us our efforts are having a meaningful impact and must be continued.
Here in the United States, the positive engagement between the Administration and Congress has underscored the fact that the U.S. Government has a common, clear position on Zimbabwe. That position was articulated well in the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both houses, and signed by President Bush on December 21st last year. The legislation sent a firm, unambiguous signal to the Government of Zimbabwe that the United States stands ready to help Zimbabwe recover politically and economically if certain conditions are met. It also issued additional notice to Zimbabwe's leadership that we are prepared to take stern measures should the government and its supporters not reverse course. Sadly, to the clear detriment of the people of Zimbabwe, the Government of Zimbabwe has chosen not to heed our repeated warnings.
On February 22, President Bush signed a Presidential Proclamation that imposed targeted travel sanctions against those individuals most responsible for undermining or injuring Zimbabwe's democratic institutions and impeding its transition to a multiparty democracy. This measure maintains pressure on an intransigent government and signals our continued support for democratic forces. As recommended in the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act, we have been actively consulting with other countries on the issue of economic sanctions against individuals responsible for the deliberate breakdown in the rule of law, and the politically motivated violence and intimidation in Zimbabwe. The Administration is considering the use of such targeted sanctions and other measures as appropriate if the Government of Zimbabwe continues its repression and does not respect the will of Zimbabwe's people as expressed in the upcoming presidential election.
Regarding that election, it is the State Department's assessment that the campaign of repression orchestrated by the Government of Zimbabwe has gone on for too long, and it has been too profound and too pervasive to allow for an untainted election. Nonetheless, it is possible that the brave people of Zimbabwe will vote with such conviction and in such numbers that the election will produce a meaningful result. The world is watching how the Government of Zimbabwe responds to the will of Zimbabwe's electorate.
The Government of Zimbabwe should have no illusions about the consequences of a seriously flawed or annulled election. Legitimacy cannot be won through violence and electoral manipulation. The international community and most importantly, I believe, the people of Zimbabwe will not allow it. A manifestly unfair election that denies the fundamental right of Zimbabwe's people to choose their leader is not an acceptable outcome to the crisis in Zimbabwe.
The presidential election may well prove to be the most critical moment in Zimbabwe's history since independence. It could be the moment at which Zimbabwe's potential as a beacon of freedom on a troubled continent is affirmed, or the moment at which Zimbabwe's leadership decides to fully embrace the dictates of despotism. The U.S. Government must continue to support the efforts of those struggling for justice and freedom in Zimbabwe, and the Administration will continue to work closely with Congress to that end.
Thank you.
