Posted on 05/05/2010 6:06:07 PM PDT by vikingd00d
A bill to review the targeted sanctions imposed on members of the Mugabe regime (Zimbabwe Transition to Democracy and Economic Recovery Act) has been tabled in the US congress to try to encourage democratic reforms in Zimbabwe.
Senators Russ Feingold, John Kerry and Johnny Isakson introduced the legislation on Tuesday and it will mean a revision of the Zimbabwe Economic and Democracy Recovery Act (ZEDERA), a US sanctions law imposed on Zimbabwe in 2001.
Since the formation of the coalition government early last year, the US and other Western countries have been urging the Zimbabwean government to fully implement the Global Political Agreement as a condition for the removal of the restrictive measures.
A statement from Senator Feingold's office said reformers in the coalition government have stopped the country's severe economic decline and taken important steps toward economic reform, but hardliners continue to obstruct the full implementation of the agreement and are still committing political and human rights abuses.
"Feingold, Isakson, and Kerry's Zimbabwe Transition to Democracy and Economic Recovery Act is designed to help those parts of the transitional government and parliament that demonstrate a firm commitment to democratic reform, while renewing and ramping up pressure on hardliners and the activities that sustain their abuses."
It also calls on the Obama administration to address 'illegal diamond activities that are undermining democratic processes and institutions by pressing for Zimbabwe's suspension from the Kimberley Process and exploring new targeted sanctions related to such activities'.
The statement said the revision to ZEDERA is expected to authorise technical assistance to reformist government ministries and to parliament in its efforts to amend or repeal repressive legislation. It also aims to amend restrictions on assistance to the government of Zimbabwe in the areas of health and education.
Observers say the bill shows a significant shift in the US policy towards the coalition government and signals engagement with the new government. Those impeding the full implementation of the GPA will remain on the controversial targeted sanctions list, but the bill provides 'incentives' for those seeking to change, by encouraging a continued review and updating of the targeted sanctions.
Senator Feingold, one of the authors of ZEDERA and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, said. "That bill (ZEDERA) showed our country's commitment to the Zimbabwean people in their struggle for peaceful democratic change. To stay true to that commitment, we must continue to look for the most effective ways we can help Zimbabweans advance real change, both inside and outside of government. This legislation gives the Obama administration the guidance and flexibility to press for badly needed reforms in Zimbabwe."
Senator Kerry said: "This legislation seeks to give democratic reformers in Zimbabwe the chance to succeed. The vast majority of Zimbabweans yearn for representative democracy, economic stability, and a better future. With this legislation, we hope to give them the necessary tools to encourage this transition." The proposed amendment to ZEDERA also suggests that the U.S government work with national, regional and international partners, to begin preparing for future elections in Zimbabwe. It also advises developing a strategy to reduce the risk of violence around such elections.
The Kenyan is trying to help Uncle Bob...
Giving them money or aid or lessening the sanctions will only empower Mugabe
Birds of a feather flock together.
Mugabe uses the tactics of Barack Husein Obama Sr. to rule Zimbabwe.
“Problems facing our Socialism” by Barack H. Obama Sr.
http://prestopundit.wordpress.com/2008/04/10/problems-facing-our-socialism-by-barak-h-obama/
With this bill the gears of war begin to turn. What they didn’t mention is the IMF just approved $500 million to Mugabe. Mark my words... war will break out very soon in that region.
“”Johnny Isakson””
Well, Johnny I guess you’re on my target list for November also...If you’re up for reelection, that is.
Something else popped up on Fox news today (along with Hildebrand NY)about him and with so much info flowing through our brains daily, it’s hard to remember exact details but it had something to do with profiting from buying short (I believe) but he said he doesn’t handle his own investments and Hildebrand said it was her husband’s money and investments, not hers!
I’ll remember this or I’ll write it on my wall so I won’t forget it come November....
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.