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The United States Embassy meddling and interference in Zimbabwe’s internal affairs is unacceptable and deviates from conventional diplomatic norms and values enshrined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), a government official has said.
The latest development comes days after the US Embassy posted election related-social media messages, bordering on activism and meddling in Zimbabwe’s internal affairs.
Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Rofina Chikava summoned the US Embassy Chargé D’Affaires Ms Elaine French in Harare on Tuesday over the matter.
Amb Chikava reiterated Zimbabwe’s strong commitment towards holding a peaceful, free and fair election but said the government was concerned with the diplomatic mission’s meddlesome conduct.
“Ambassador Chikava said the conduct by the US Embassy was unacceptable as it deviated from conventional diplomatic norms and values enshrined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).
“The Ministry also called on the US Embassy to refrain from posting such messages in the spirit of re-engagement between our two countries,” said the Ministry’s spokesperson Mr Livit Mugejo in a communique.
Ambassador Chikava took the opportunity to highlight Zimbabwe’s preparations for the Harmonised Elections.
These include voter registration and education, delimitation of constituencies and wards and the ongoing inspection of the voter’s roll, in line with the country’s constitution.
The US Embassy issued several election-related social media posts via Twitter on May 26, 2023.
The most notable post was captioned: “Register to vote and make sure your voice is heard,” among other tweets which had been made a few days before.
In her response, the US Charge D’Affaires Ms Elaine French acknowledged Government’s concerns and reiterated her Mission’s commitment to improve its communication in line with expected diplomatic conduct. She further expressed optimism about the continued collaboration between Zimbabwe and the US.
Zimbabwe views the U.S.A as an important cooperating partner in its development goals, in line with the Engagement and Re-Engagement policy
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