Tsvangirai’s letter to Colin Powell

Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai wrote to United States Secretary of State Colin Powell briefing him about the state of affairs in Zimbabwe towards the end of 2003.

He said President Robert Mugabe continued to be intransigent and had refused to meet with him to discuss ways to end the crisis in the country.

One of his major concerns was the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front youth militias popularly known as Green Bombers, a unit which he said must be disbanded because it was terrorising the people instead of protecting them.

Full cable:

Viewing cable 03HARARE2437, LETTER FROM MORGAN TSVANGIRAI TO SECRETARY POWELL

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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS HARARE 002437

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: PREL PGOV ZI MDC

SUBJECT: LETTER FROM MORGAN TSVANGIRAI TO SECRETARY POWELL

Post has just received a letter dated December 16 from Morgan

Tsvangirai, President of the Movement for Democratic Change,

SIPDIS

addressed to Secretary Powell, whom we know is not in the

office. The following is the text-we will send the original

by pouch to the desk.

Begin text:

Dear General Powell,

Compliments of the season to you, President Bush, and other

friends in the United States of America who have not

forgotten the people of Zimbabwe, even as your own country

faces dire threats to freedom and democracy.

I am writing to extend appreciation on behalf of the Movement

for Democratic Change and the millions of brave and hungry

Zimbabweans who tragically know that their struggle for

justice and true liberation is far from over.

As 2003 draws to a close, we find ourselves far from a

solution to the catastrophe destroying our country. As you

may well know, the hoped- for national dialogue between the

MDC and the ZANU-PF has largely reached a deadlock.

One area of particular contention is ZANU-PF’s youth

militias. We strongly believe that the government should

disband this group as soon as possible. As you may know, the

youth militia (known as “Green Bombers”) are destabilizing

the country as well as provoking the country’s official

national security services. This private ZANU-PF army was

designed specifically to terrorize not protect and serve the

Zimbabwean people, particularly those not seen to be ardent

supporters of the government.

We are very worried about the days to come, yet remain firmly

committed to achieve democratic change in an organized and

peaceful way. In the past year, we have embarked on two

successful mass stay-aways and expect to work together with

our colleagues in civil society to continue to pressure for

new elections under free and fair conditions. We have stated

unequivocally that we are prepared to enter dialogue. As you

know, I have personally agreed to meet with Mr. Mugabe to

discuss the future of the country, but he has postponed our

planned meeting several times. On 20 December, the MDC will

hold its annual conference. At this meeting we will define

the agenda for 2004, as well as adopt our refined policies.

I understand that Presidents Obasango and Mbeki will be

visiting Zimbabwe again in the near future. Realizing the

holiday season approaches us, I would appreciate an

opportunity to briefly update you on the situation as we see

it and to share my thoughts for the way forward at his

volatile time.

In closing, I also want to thank you for sending such a

capable and committed team to our country. Ambassador

Sullivan and others in his team have certainly demonstrated

the best of what America stands for and we thank all of you

again for your support during these very troubled times.

Respectfully yours,

¶M. Tsvangirai

President

SULLIVAN

(18 VIEWS)