The United states today congratulated the Zimbabwean people and not the country’s leader Robert Mugabe on the country’s 37th independence anniversary.
In a two paragraph statement, United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said: “The United States shares common values with the Zimbabwean people, including a belief in a more democratic and prosperous Zimbabwe. In the year ahead, we will remain committed to the people of Zimbabwe and their hopes for a more promising future.”
The United States maintains sanctions on Zimbabwe imposed in March 2003 and insists they will only be lifted after the human rights situation has improved.
Former United States ambassador to Zimbabwe Charles Ray said Mugabe and Trump would not get along for even three minutes.
“Given the size of their respective egos, I can't see Trump and Mugabe getting along for longer than three minutes,” he was quoted as saying.
President Donald Trump vowed to deal with Mugabe and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni during his elections campaign last year.
“Mugabe and Museveni must be put on notice that their days are numbered and I am going to arrest them and lock them in prison,” he told war veterans in Washington during his election campaign.
“If the past American administrators have failed to stop these two despots, I will personally do it.”
Full US statement on Zimbabwe’s national day
Press Statement
Rex W. Tillerson
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
April 18, 2017
On behalf of the citizens of the United States, congratulations to the people of Zimbabwe who celebrate 37 years of independence on April 18.
The United States shares common values with the Zimbabwean people, including a belief in a more democratic and prosperous Zimbabwe. In the year ahead, we will remain committed to the people of Zimbabwe and their hopes for a more promising future.
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