Ambassador says Mugabe jibe at US is part of political process

United States ambassador to Zimbabwe Bruce Wharton said it was still possible to hold peaceful and credible elections in Zimbabwe and President Robert Mugabe’s jibe that the United States should keep its pink nose out of Zimbabwe’s affairs was part of the political process.

Wharton told Radio France International: “I think it’s important that we not prejudge this process. I still believe that it is possible for Zim to have a peaceful, credible election. Clearly, that’s what’s needed to help move the country forward—economically, socially and politically. We have expressed concerns about elements of the process so far, but I think we need to be careful not to prejudge it.”

The ambassador was echoing what the State Department had said the previous day. State Department deputy spokesperson Marie Harf said though the United States had some concerns “…we also believe there is still time to get things back on track”.

On Mugabe’s comments the previous day that the United States was insane to make demands on Zimbabwe, Wharton said the comments were part of his campaign speech and “all part of the political process here”.

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