Ensure safety of envoys, US tells Zim
2013-01-18 08:49
Special Report
Chinese vice premier Wang Yang has urged Zimbabwe to ensure peace and political stability ahead of elections this year.
Washington - The United States on Thursday called on
Zimbabwe to ensure the safety of its diplomatic staff, after the US ambassador
was prevented from giving a speech in the eastern city of Mutare.
Ambassador Bruce Wharton had been on his first visit to
Manicaland province to observe USAID projects and meet with business people on
Wednesday, and had been due to give a speech at a library, the State Department
said.
He was met by about 130 supporters of President Robert
Mugabe's Zanu-PF party, and spent "about 15 to 20 minutes listening to
their messages, but the protesters refused to engage in constructive
conversation", the statement said.
He did not manage to give his speech.
"The United States recognises the critical need to work
together to build a way forward but believes that this must begin with a
respectful sharing of ideas," the State Department said.
"We call on the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure the
safety and security of diplomatic personnel, and to condemn the harassment and
intimidation of peaceful exchanges between the US and the Zimbabwean
people."
- SAPA
