The United States pushed its allies to support a resolution that would have allowed military intervention in Zimbabwe by the United Nations not later than 3 July 2008.
The aim was supposedly to restore peace and stop violence in Zimbabwe because President Robert Mugabe had defied requests not to hold the presidential elections run-off on 27 June.
Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai pulled out of the run-off because of violence.
Full cable:
Viewing cable 08STATE70836, URGENT REQUEST FOR DEMARCHE ON UNSC CHAPTER VII
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Reference ID |
Created |
Released |
Classification |
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VZCZCXRO8752
OO RUEHDU RUEHMR RUEHRN RUEHTRO
DE RUEHC #0836/01 1850224
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 020258Z JUL 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
INFO SOUTHERN AF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RUEHSB/AMEMBASSY HARARE IMMEDIATE 2703-2708
RUCNDT/USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 2365-2370
RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI IMMEDIATE 1502
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 06 STATE 070836
SIPDIS
C O R R E C T E D C O P Y – ADDING ADDRESSEE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/01/2018
SUBJECT: URGENT REQUEST FOR DEMARCHE ON UNSC CHAPTER VII
RESOLUTION ON ZIMBABWE
REF: STATE 69693
STATE 00070836 001.2 OF 006
Classified By: IO DAS Brian Hook, REASONS: 1.4 (B) AND (D)
¶1. (C) Action Requests:
(1) Action addressees in UNSC capitals should pass the text
of the draft UN Security Council resolution and annex on
Zimbabwe in para 5 below to their host governments. Action
addressees are requested to demarche host governments at an
appropriately senior level, as soon as possible, to urge
strong support for the draft resolution, drawing on the
talking points in para 3 below. Action addressees in London,
Paris, Brussels, Zagreb, and Rome should note that the
revised draft resolution incorporates comments their missions
provided to USUN during the experts-level meetings in New
York.
(2) USUN is instructed to table the draft resolution and
annex during informal consultations of the Security Council
on July 2, unless agreement among the P3 has not been
reached. However, irrespective of P3 agreement, the
resolution should be tabled no later than July 3. Department
and the NSC are prepared to follow up with high-level phone
calls to UNSC capitals following the introduction of the
draft resolution on July 2.
End Action Requests.
¶2. (U) Reporting Deadline: Posts are requested to respond
as quickly as possible by e-mail or cable slugged for
IO/UNP-Rebecca Goldenberg and USUN – Jeffrey DeLaurentis.
¶3. (U) Talking Points:
— We remain deeply concerned about the situation in
Zimbabwe following the illegitimate election on June 27, in
which the Mugabe regime used violence and intimidation to
force opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai ) the winner of
the March 29 election — out of the run-off election and to
prevent a free and fair election that could reflect the will
of the Zimbabwean people.
— In its June 23 Presidential Statement, the Security
Council spoke unanimously when it said it ®rets that the
campaign of violence and the restrictions on the political
opposition have made it impossible for a free and fair
election8 on June 27. The Council also said that &any
government of Zimbabwe must take account of the interests of
all its citizens8 and that the &results of the 29 March
2008 elections must be respected.8 It further expressed its
concern over the impact of the situation in Zimbabwe on the
wider region.
— Despite the Council,s clear statement, and despite
similar public statements by regional leaders, Mr. Mugabe
still proceeded with the sham run off election. Deputy
Secretary General Migiro said at the African Union Summit
that Zimbabwe was the ‘single greatest challenge to regional
stability in Southern Africa.’ The Security Council cannot
remain silent now. We must continue to speak with one voice
on the need for Mr. Mugabe to immediately end the violence
and begin a dialogue with the opposition and respect the will
of the people, as reflected in the March 29 results. We must
also back up our words with concrete measures that will move
the regime to end its campaign of violence and act
responsibly in the interests of all Zimbabweans, and of
neighboring countries.
— We would like to engage with your mission in New York on a
draft Security Council resolution to address the continuing
violence, the flawed electoral process, and the growing
humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe that is increasingly
destabilizing the region.
— This draft resolution reiterates the views expressed by
the Southern African Development Community, Pan-African
Parliament, and African Union Observer missions to Zimbabwe,
which concluded that the politically motivated violence,
STATE 00070836 002.2 OF 006
intimidation and displacement in the run up to the June 27
election made it impossible to conduct elections that were
free, fair and credible.
— Our draft resolution demands that the Government of
Zimbabwe stop all violence, and begin a political dialogue
with the opposition aimed at putting in place a solution that
respects the results of the March 29 election. It also
imposes an arms embargo and provides for an asset freeze and
travel ban against designated individuals who are responsible
for inciting or committing acts of politically motivated
violence.
— We will table the resolution during informal consultations
on July 2 and hope for quick Council action to send the
strongest possible signal to Mr. Mugabe on the need to end
the violence and begin a serious dialogue with the opposition
to end the crisis that threatens Zimbabwe and the region.
¶4. Draft Resolution on Zimbabwe
The Security Council,
Affirming its commitment to the independence and territorial
integrity of Zimbabwe,
Recalling the statement of its President of 23 June 2008
concerning the situation in Zimbabwe (S/PRST/2008/23),
Recalling the AU resolution on Zimbabwe of 1 July 2008 which
expressed its concern with the loss of life and violence in
Zimbabwe, the need to prevent a worsening of the situation to
avoid the spread of the conflict across the sub-region, the
need to create an environment conducive for democracy, and
encouraged Zimbabwean leaders to initiate dialogue with a
view to promoting peace and stability,
Recalling the statements of the Southern African Development
Community, Pan-African Parliament, and African Union Observer
missions to Zimbabwe on 29 June 2008, which found that the
elections fell short of accepted AU standards, did not give
rise to free, fair or credible elections, and did not reflect
the will of the Zimbabwean people,
Expressing deep concern at the gross irregularities during
the June 27 Presidential election, the violence and
intimidation perpetrated in the run up to the election that
made impossible the holding of free and fair elections, and
the creation of an environment that did not permit
international election observers to operate freely before and
during the June 27 vote,
Expressing strong concern over the grave humanitarian
situation in Zimbabwe which has been exacerbated by the
Government of Zimbabwe’s misuse of food aid as a political
tool and its suspension of humanitarian relief programs,
in particular the suspension of medical assistance to
HIV/AIDS patients, conducted by international and
non-governmental organizations,
Expressing strong concern over the impact of this suspension,
which is depriving the Zimbabwean people, in particular
vulnerable people, including those displaced by violence and
children and orphans, of basic
humanitarian assistance,
Condemning the continued killing, beating and torture of
civilians, sexual violence, and the displacement of thousands
of Zimbabweans, many of whom have been driven to take refuge
in neighboring countries,
Condemning also the baseless arrests, restrictions on the
right of assembly, seizure of vehicles, threats, intimidation
and violence directed against supporters of the opposition
political party, as well as the repeated detention of its
leaders,
Taking note of the statements and expressions of concern by
African regional organizations and current and former Heads
of State about the impact of the situation in Zimbabwe on the
stability of the wider region, and expressing their own grave
concern over that impact, calling on the Government of
Zimbabwe to postpone the election, and deeming the results of
a June 27 to be illegitimate under current conditions,
Recognizing that the destabilizing impact of the situation in
Zimbabwe on the wider region is reflected in the burden
placed on States in the region by the presence of Zimbabwean
STATE 00070836 003.2 OF 006
economic migrants and refugees,
Recalling its resolution 1809 (2008) on Peace and Security in
Africa, and reaffirming its support for Southern African
Development Community and African Union efforts to resolve
the crisis in Zimbabwe in such a way that reflects the will
of the Zimbabwean people as expressed in the March 29
elections, and calling on the
Government of Zimbabwe to cooperate with these efforts,
Reaffirming its support for the good offices mission of the
Secretary General, led by Assistant Secretary General Haile
Menkerios, and expressing strong support for the continuing
efforts of the Secretary General and his
representatives,
Determining that the situation in Zimbabwe poses a threat to
international peace and security in the region,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
¶1. Condemns the decision of the Government of Zimbabwe
to go forward with the June 27 elections given the campaign
of violence against the political opposition, which has
resulted in scores of deaths, thousands of injuries, and
displacement of thousands of civilians, making it impossible
for a free and fair election to occur;
¶2. Demands that the Government of Zimbabwe:
(a) Immediately cease attacks against and intimidation of
opposition members and supporters, including those by
non-government agents affiliated with the ZANU-PF party, and
in particular end the abuse of human rights, including
widespread beatings, torture, killings, sexual violence, and
displacement, and release all political prisoners;
(b) Begin without delay a substantive political dialogue
between the parties with the aim of arriving at a peaceful
solution that reflects the will of the Zimbabwean people as
expressed in the March 29 elections;
(c) Accept the good offices offered by the African Union, the
Southern African Development Community, and the Secretary
General, giving such representatives full access to the
country, security, and all requested authority over
negotiation processes;
(d) Accept responsibility to cooperate fully with
investigations of the political violence experienced by the
country between March and June, 2008;
(e) End immediately all restrictions on international
humanitarian assistance and support international aid
organizations’ access to all parts of the country for
distribution of food, medical assistance, and other
humanitarian aid;
¶3. Requests the Secretary General to appoint as soon as
possible an individual of international standing and
expertise in human rights to serve as a Special
Representative of the Secretary General on the situation of
human rights in Zimbabwe who would, in this capacity,
investigate reports of recent and ongoing human rights
violations in Zimbabwe;
¶4. Decides that all Member States shall take the necessary
measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or
transfer to Zimbabwe, through their territories or by their
nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft,
and whether or not originating in their territories, of arms
or related material of all types, including weapons and
ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary
equipment, and spare parts for the aforementioned;
¶5. Decides also that all Member States shall also take the
necessary measures to prevent any provision to Zimbabwe by
their nationals or from their territories of technical
assistance or training, financial assistance,
investment, brokering or other services, and the transfer of
financial resources or services, related to the supply, sale,
transfer, manufacture or use of the items specified in
paragraph 3 above;
¶6. Decides further that the measures imposed by paragraphs 3
and 4 above shall not apply to:
(a) Supplies of non-lethal military equipment intended solely
STATE 00070836 004.2 OF 006
for humanitarian or protective use, and related technical
assistance or training; and
(b) Supplies of protective clothing, including flak jackets
and military helmets, for the personal use of United Nations
personnel, representatives of the media and humanitarian and
development workers and associated personnel;
¶7. Decides that all States shall take the following measures
with respect to individuals and entities designated in the
Annex to this resolution or designated by the Committee as
having engaged in or provided support
for actions or policies to undermine democratic processes or
institutions in Zimbabwe, including having ordered, planned,
or participated in acts of politically motivated violence, or
as providing support to individuals or
entities designated pursuant to this paragraph:
(a) prevent the entry into or transit through their
territories of these individuals, provided that nothing in
this paragraph shall obligate a State to refuse entry into or
require departure from its territory of its own
nationals;
(b) freeze without delay all funds, other financial
assets and economic resources that are in their territories
on the date of adoption of this resolution or at any time
thereafter, that are owned or controlled,
directly or indirectly, by these individuals or entities, or
that are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by
entities owned or controlled by them such persons or by
individuals or entities acting on their behalf or at their
direction, and ensure that no funds, other financial assets
or economic resources are made available by their nationals
or by any persons within their territories to or for the
benefit of such individuals or entities;
¶8. Decides that the measures imposed by paragraph 7(a) above
do not apply where the Committee determines on a case by case
basis that such travel is justified on the ground of
humanitarian need, including religious obligation, or where
the Committee concludes that an exemption would otherwise
further the objectives of this resolution;
¶9. Decides that the measures imposed by paragraph 7(b) of
this resolution do not apply to funds, other financial assets
or economic resources that have been determined by relevant
States:
(a) to be necessary for basic expenses, including payment for
foodstuffs, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical
treatment, taxes, insurance premiums, and public utility
charges or exclusively for payment of reasonable professional
fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses associated with
the provision of legal services, or fees or service charges,
in accordance with national laws, for routine holding or
maintenance of frozen funds, other financial assets and
economic resources, after notification by the relevant States
to the Committee of the intention to authorize, where
appropriate, access to such funds, other financial assets or
economic resources and in the absence of a negative decision
by the Committee within three working days of such
notification;
(b) to be necessary for extraordinary expenses, provided that
such determination has been notified by the relevant States
to the Committee and has been approved by the Committee; or
(c) to be the subject of a judicial, administrative or
arbitral lien or judgment, in which case the funds, or other
financial assets and economic resources may be used to
satisfy that lien or judgment provided that the lien or
judgment was entered prior to the date of the present
resolution, is not for the benefit of a person or entity
designated by the Committee pursuant to paragraph 6 above,
and has been notified by the relevant States to the
Committee;
¶10. Decides to establish, in accordance with rule 28 of its
provisional rules of procedure, a Committee of the Security
Council consisting of all the members of the Council, to
undertake the following tasks:
(a) to seek from all States, in particular those in the
region, information regarding the actions taken by them to
implement effectively the measures referred to in paragraphs
4, 5 and 7 of this resolution and whatever
further information it may consider useful in this regard;
STATE 00070836 005.2 OF 006
(b) to examine and take appropriate action on information
regarding alleged violations of measures imposed by
paragraphs 4, 5 and 7 of this resolution;
(c) to designate individuals and entities subject to the
measures imposed by paragraph 6 of this resolution;
(d) to consider and decide upon requests for exemptions set
out in paragraphs 8 and 9 of this resolution;
(e) to establish guidelines as may be necessary to facilitate
the implementation of the measures imposed by this resolution;
(f) to report at least every 90 days to the Security Council
on its work and on the implementation of this resolution,
with its observations and recommendations, in particular on
ways to strengthen the effectiveness of the
measures imposed in this resolution;
(g) to assess reports from the Panel of Experts established
pursuant to paragraph 10 below, and from Member States on
specific steps they are taking to implement the measures
imposed by paragraphs 4, 5 and 7 above;
(h) to encourage a dialogue between the Committee and
interested Member States, in particular those in the region,
including by inviting representatives of such States to meet
with the Committee to discuss implementation of the measures;
¶11. Requests the Secretary-General to establish, within 30
days of the adoption of this resolution, in consultation with
the Committee, for a period of twelve months a Panel of
Experts comprised of four members with the range of expertise
necessary to fulfill the Panel’s mandate described in this
paragraph, to operate under the direction of the Committee to
undertake the following tasks:
(a) to assist the Committee in monitoring implementation of
the measures in paragraphs 4, 5 and 7 of this resolution, and
to make recommendations to the Committee on actions the
Council may want to consider; and
(b) to provide a mid-term briefing on its work to the
Committee, and an interim report no later than 90 days after
adoption of this resolution, and a final report no later than
30 days prior to the termination of its mandate
to the Council through the Committee with its finding and
recommendations;
¶12. Expresses its readiness to review the measures imposed
in paragraphs 4, 5, and 7 of this resolution in 12 months
following the date of adoption of this resolution or sooner
if before such time as a political settlement is
agreed to by all stakeholders and respects the will of the
Zimbabwean people as expressed in the results of the March
29, 2008 elections;
¶13. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report to the
Council regarding the situation in Zimbabwe, whether the
Government of Zimbabwe has complied with the demands in
paragraph 2 above, and what additional measures may
contribute to improving the security, humanitarian, and human
rights situation in Zimbabwe;
¶14. Decides that all States shall report to the Committee
established by the Council within 90 days of the adoption of
this resolution on the steps they have taken with a view to
implementing effectively the measures imposed in paragraphs
4, 5 and 7 above;
¶15. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
Annex
¶1. Mugabe, Robert
(Member/Head of Government responsible for activities that
seriously undermine democracy, repress human rights and
disrespect the rule of law)
¶2. Chiwenga, Constantine
(Member of security forces who directed repressive state
policy and has violated human rights)
¶3. Mnangagwa, Emmerson
(Member of Government responsible for activities that
seriously undermine democracy, repress human rights and
disrespect the rule of law)
¶4. Gono, Gideon
(Reserve Bank Governor who is responsible for funding
repressive state policies)
STATE 00070836 006.2 OF 006
¶5. Chihuri, Augustine
(Member of security forces who bears wide responsibility for
serious violations of the freedom of peaceful assembly)
¶6. Chinamasa, Patrick
(Member of Government responsible for activities that
seriously undermine democracy, repress human rights and
disrespect the rule of law)
¶7. Shiri, Perence
(Member of security forces complicit in forming or directing
oppressive state policy)
¶8. Parirenyatwa, David
(Member of Government responsible for activities that
seriously undermine democracy, repress human rights and
disrespect the rule of law)
¶9. Mutasa, Didymus
(Member of Government responsible for activities that
seriously undermine democracy, repress human rights and
disrespect the rule of law)
¶10. Charamba, George
(Member of Government complicit in forming or directing
oppressive state policy)
¶11. Zimondi, Paradzi
(Member of security forces complicit in forming oppressive
state policy)
¶12. Bonyongwe, Happyton
(Member of security forces complicit in forming or directing
oppressive state policy)
¶5. Tripoli minimize considered.
RICE
(77 VIEWS)
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