Posted on 07/16/2008 3:17:54 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
PRETORIA (AFP) — South Africa on Tuesday labelled as "unacceptable" suggestions by a US ambassador at the United Nations that President Thabo Mbeki was "out of touch" regarding Zimbabwe's political crisis.
"The extraordinary and unacceptable statements made will be taken up through diplomatic channels," South African deputy foreign minister Aziz Pahad said.
"A British representative said South African mediation efforts had come to nought and we have achieved nothing," he added.
"The US representative made remarks about Russia not being a worthy member of the G8 and suggested that President Thabo Mbeki is out of touch with his own country.
"These are not acceptable statements and we will take it up with those governments."
The United States on Friday launched a scathing attack on Mbeki after Pretoria's UN envoy voted against targeted sanctions against Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's regime at the United Nations Security Council.
"We are surprised by what appears as Mbeki appearing to protect Mugabe while Mugabe uses violent means to fragment the opposition," US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said.
"I think he (Mbeki) is out of touch with the trends inside his own country."
China and Russia vetoed the sanctions that would have imposed a travel ban and an assets freeze on Mugabe and 13 of his cronies as well an arms embargo on the Harare regime.
The United States also sharply criticised Russia over its stance.
Mbeki has served as mediator between Zimbabwe's rival political parties, but has faced heavy criticism over his quiet diplomacy approach.
Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai had previously called for him to be stripped of his role as mediator, while Mugabe's regime has praised the South African leader's efforts.
(Excerpt) Read more at afp.google.com ...
The bad news is global marxism can count on another ally in its war against the free world.
So, the US should give African nations and "leaders" a choice. As long as the AU (African Union) gives Mugabe a pass to continue with his crimes against humanity, then NO US aid, not even humanitarian, goes to any member of the AU under any circumstance.
Why throw money down a rat hole, right? Then let those "leaders" make a choice. Money, or murder? Which do they want most?
Congressman Billybob
First three in the series, "American Government: The Owner's Manual" are here, and also on FR
For most of Africa, the best solutions would be: 1)a return to colonial rule or 2) take away all "toys" (read: weapons) and stop aid and let them hack at each other with machetes and sharp sticks until someone wins (and by win I have no idea)
Africa...I say we take off and nuke the whole site from orbit —it’s the only way to be sure. /Ripley
That’s good news really. Now we don’t have to honor our governments commitment on the $50 Billion we were going to send over there. $50 Billion of our tax money by the way.
Mbeki has said there is no crisis in Zimbabwe. How out of touch is that??
What inflation rate would he call a crisis? 10 million percent? Wait a couple of months.
He is an enabler and the US was right to call him on it.
Sure thing, bub. Bush'll get right on that.
Your solution makes too much sense. Therefore, that’s why it will never be enacted as US policy toward Africa.
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