The United States of America {USA] ambassador to Zimbabwe Thomas Hastings says sanctions against Zimbabwe cannot be easily removed because of “human rights abuses committed by security forces.”
Since 2003, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed targeted financial sanctions against individuals and entities in connection with undermining democracy, human rights abuses and public corruption.
But, addressing journalists after touring various projects supported by his government in Bulawayo yesterday, Hastings said the US government will only remove these sanctions when they think they are no longer necessary.
“The United States remains concerned about human rights abuses being committed by security services which makes it hard for sanctions on Zimbabwe’s ruling elite to be lifted.
“Sanctions are in place and when my government believes they’re no longer necessary, they will be removed,” Hastings said.
He also said his government will be watching the conduct of the Zimbabwe’s general elections in 2023 with a keen interest.
“It’s certainly our hope that Zimbabwe holds free, fair and credible elections but it’s up to the government of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to make that a reality.
“I took part in the by-elections as an observer two months ago as did many of my colleagues in the embassy and many other diplomats who are stationed here
“I’m sure for national elections there will be more observers but it’s not just observing on the election day that matters; it is the entire infrastructure that goes into the work – the voters’ roll, whether people are allowed to campaign freely and free of violence and months and weeks leading into the election
“We will be watching those things very closely because free and fair elections are a priority of my government,” said Hastings.
