Swedish diplomat Jon Ecklund told United States embassy officials in Pretoria that his government was concerned that talks between Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai and Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front leader Robert Mugabe were focussed on power rather on transformation.
He said Sweden was disappointed by the lack of any discussion during negotiations around human rights abuses and ongoing violence and this would not lead to any kind of real “transformation”.
It appeared as if everyone was focused on power -how to get it and how much- rather than justice, democracy, or institutional reform.
Ecklund said Sweden was privately urging all Southern African Development Community leaders to refuse to recognise Mugabe as legitimate president and head of government in any sort of unity government.
Full cable:
Viewing cable 08PRETORIA1740, SWEDEN SHARES USG CONCERNS ON ZIMBABWE
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Reference ID |
Created |
Released |
Classification |
Origin |
VZCZCXRO5549
RR RUEHDU RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHSA #1740 2201300
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 071300Z AUG 08
FM AMEMBASSY PRETORIA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5335
INFO RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE
RUEHTN/AMCONSUL CAPE TOWN 5891
RUEHDU/AMCONSUL DURBAN 0059
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
C O N F I D E N T I A L PRETORIA 001740
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/07/2018
SUBJECT: SWEDEN SHARES USG CONCERNS ON ZIMBABWE
Classified By: Political Counselor Raymond L. Brown. Reasons 1.4(b) and
(d).
¶1. (C) Swedish diplomat Jon Ecklund (protect) on 6 August
shared his government’s concerns that fundamental issues will
not/not be addressed in a unity government agreement brokered
by President Mbeki between MDC Leader Morgan Tsvangirai and
President Robert Mugabe. He specifically mentioned that they
have been disappointed by the lack of any discussion during
negotiations around human rights abuses and ongoing violence,
and that its absence will not lead to any kind of real
“transformation.” In current talks, he said it appears as if
everyone is focused on power — how to get it and how much —
rather than justice, democracy, or institutional reform. As
a result, Ecklund said that Stockholm is struggling to come
up with a policy on how to reengage with Zimbabwe if an
agreement is signed, especially if Mugabe retains any
executive power with MDC’s agreement.
¶2. (C) In the meantime, Ecklund said President Mbeki asked
Stockholm to speak to Mugabe to see if they could influence
him in anyway. Ecklund refused to give details, but
mentioned that his Foreign Affairs Minister tried but that
they do not have great access or leverage over Mugabe. He
also said that they are privately urging all SADC capitals to
refuse to recognize Mugabe as legitimate president and head
of government in any sort of unity government. In addition,
Stockholm is directing all of its diplomats in SADC countries
to be more “pro-active” on Zimbabwe with their host
governments. By doing so, he said he realizes Stockholm is
jeopardizing its relationship with President Mbeki and the
ANC, but does not believe that Mbeki is aware of Stockholm’s
increased diplomatic pressure. Regardless, he said that
Stockholm will continue its pressure using human rights
issues as an anchor, adding that one of Sweden’s church
groups just informed them that 18 bodies were discovered
floating in a dam and that they fear there are many more that
they do not know about. (NOTE: Sweden’s unwavering support
of the ANC during apartheid has resulted in excellent
relationships with the Presidency, DFA, and the ANC. Ecklund
was surprised when PolOff told him that the Zimbabwe crisis
has strained our relationship with DFA and said that DFA is
always willing to see him. END NOTE)
¶3. (C) Last, Ecklund passed on a document entitled,
“Unpacking the Memorandum of Understanding Between Zanu-PF
and MDC” (sent by email to AF/S). He did not reveal the
author, but said it was done by civil society members with a
human rights focus, meaning though they are not officially
MDC, they are probably more likely to agree with them given
the current conditions in Zimbabwe. Overall, the document is
pessimistic. It notes that the three parties still seem far
apart, that the MoU does not address the current humanitarian
crisis or justice, and that the parties all commit themselves
to returning the country to “prosperity,” but not to
democratic principles or good governance. It also questions
ZANU-PF’s commitment to peace, pointing out that public
statements must be accompanied by practical steps, and that
this has not been the case thus far.
BOST
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