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Press Statement
Richard Boucher, Spokesman
Washington, DC
March 2, 2004


Zimbabwe: Sanctions Enhancement


Zimbabwe’s government has conducted a concerted campaign of violence, repression, and intimidation showing its disregard for human rights, the rule of law, and the welfare of its citizens. Ultimately Zimbabweans must resolve their political crisis, and the United States supports the region's call for the government to enter into dialogue with the political opposition to find a solution acceptable to the people of Zimbabwe.

As called for under existing United States sanctions, the Department of State and the Department of the Treasury continue to identify individuals who undermine Zimbabwe's democratic institutions as a part of this ongoing effort and in accordance with Executive Order 13288, the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control has designated seven businesses owned or controlled by such individuals as subject to the applicable United States sanctions. These entities include commercial farms seized by Information Minister Jonathan Moyo; Zimbabwe Defence Industries, a government-owned arms manufacturer; M&S Syndicate, a holding company owned by the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front; and two companies representing the interests of Zimbabwe Defence Forces General (retired) Vitalis Zvinavashe.

The United States’ sanctions target only those responsible for Zimbabwe's political crisis and not ordinary citizens. They support regional and international efforts to convince Zimbabwe’s government to abandon political repression and engage in meaningful dialogue with the political opposition. Should Zimbabwe’s rulers continue to oppress its citizens and to resist forthright efforts toward resolving the country’s political crisis, we are prepared to impose additional targeted financial and travel sanctions on those undermining democracy in Zimbabwe.

 

2004/225
[End]

Released on March 2, 2004

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