US President Barack Obama did not
invite President Robert Mugabe for a landmark United States-Africa summit in
August because the Zimbabwean leader is currently a "Specially Designated
National" (SDN), a US official has explained.
Acting United States embassy in
Zimbabwe spokesperson, Jillian Bonnardeaux said apart from being on the SDN
list, Mugabe was subject to US sanctions for "undermining democratic
processes and institutions in Zimbabwe". A Specially Designated Nationals
List is a publication of Office of Foreign Assets Control (Ofac) which lists
individuals and organisations with whom US citizens and permanent residents are
prohibited from doing business.
But despite Obama's snub on
Mugabe, Bonnardeaux said the US was prepared to constantly revisit its
bilateral relationship with Zimbabwe. "The US policy is not static and
continually evolves," she said.
Bonnardeaux said the US valued
and was committed to its long-term relationship with the people of Zimbabwe. She
said the US continued to support Zimbabwe through its assistance in health,
economic growth and other key areas.
"The US and Zimbabwe share
goals of a strong, prosperous, healthy, and democratic Zimbabwe able to meet
its people's needs," she said.
Bonnardeaux said Obama looked forward to welcoming leaders
from across the African continent to Washington on August 5 and 6 to further
strengthen ties with one of the world's most "dynamic" and
fastest-growing regions.
Original article: http://allafrica.com/stories/201401260337.html
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