Published: November 26, 2005
U.S. Blocks Property of Those Impeding Democracy in Zimbabwe
Calls on all political actors in the country to embrace democratic reforms
The United States announced November 23 that President Bush has authorized the blocking of property of an additional number of persons involved in undermining democratic processes or institutions in Zimbabwe.
The executive order, signed by the president on November 22, also can apply to the immediate family members of such persons and anyone assisting them, according to a White House statement.
In addition, the president blocked the assets of 128 persons and 33 entities.
"The United States has repeatedly called upon the government of Zimbabwe to abandon its harassment of civil society, the press, and the political opposition; to restore the rule of law; to negotiate in good faith to resolve the impasse created by the flawed 2002 elections; and to hold free and fair parliamentary elections in 2005. Such efforts have yielded insufficient results," the statement said.
"There is still time for the government of Zimbabwe to avoid a further expansion of the sanctions list should it begin serious efforts to restore democratic norms and the rule of law," the statement also said.
Bush's action follows a similar measure taken in March 2003, which imposed targeted economic sanctions against 77 persons who were hindering democratic reform in Zimbabwe.
For additional information on U.S. policy, see Africa.
Following is the text of the White House statement:
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Crawford, Texas)
November 23, 2005
STATEMENT BY THE DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY
Blocking Property of Additional Persons
Undermining Democratic Processes in Zimbabwe
In March 2003, the United States applied targeted economic sanctions against a list of 77 persons hindering democratic reform in Zimbabwe. On November 22, 2005, the President signed an Executive Order that allows the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to go beyond previous authority and block the property of additional persons undermining democratic processes or institutions in Zimbabwe, their immediate family members, and any persons assisting them. The President also designated and blocked the assets of 128 persons and 33 entities. There is still time for the Government of Zimbabwe to avoid a further expansion of the sanctions list should it begin serious efforts to restore democratic norms and the rule of law.
This action is not aimed at the people of Zimbabwe, but rather at those most responsible for their plight. The failed political and economic policies of the Robert Mugabe regime have succeeded in devastating Zimbabwe. The United States has repeatedly called upon the Government of Zimbabwe to abandon its harassment of civil society, the press, and the political opposition; to restore the rule of law; to negotiate in good faith to resolve the impasse created by the flawed 2002 elections; and to hold free and fair parliamentary elections in 2005. Such efforts have yielded insufficient results. The parliamentary elections in March 2005 were neither free nor fair. Recent demolitions of housing and informal markets have displaced 700,000 people at a time when Zimbabwe is already in the grip of a humanitarian crisis.
The United States calls on all political actors in Zimbabwe to embrace democratic reforms, to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the current impasse, and to once again place the country on a path toward development and prosperity.
Source: U.S. Department of State
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