[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 77 (Monday, June 19, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H4652-H4654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE CONCERNING TROUBLED PRE-ELECTION PERIOD IN
REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee
on International Relations be discharged from further consideration of
the resolution (H. Res. 500) expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives concerning the violence, breakdown of rule of law, and
troubled pre-election period in the Republic of Zimbabwe, and ask for
its immediate consideration in the House.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object,
I believe, again, the House needs to understand why we are proceeding
with this bill in an expeditious manner.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I yield to the gentleman from New York for
an explanation.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, the people of Zimbabwe will go to the polls next weekend
to elect their parliament. Since its independence 20 years ago,
Zimbabwe has been, in effect, a one-party state. The liberation party
of President Robert Mugabe, which emerged from a war, for majority war
with slogans shouting for equality and justice, has become thoroughly
corrupted by the absolute power that it has enjoyed these past 2
decades.
Change is now at hand. The people of Zimbabwe are patient, but their
patience appears to have come to an end. Candidates from parliament for
the opposition parties have registered in record numbers. The leading
opposition party appears to have overwhelming support among the urban
populations of Zimbabwe.
But President Mugabe and his party cronies who have grown rich in
government do not want to accept an honest political contest. He has
used land reform as a political wedge issue for years, refusing
credible programs that would have addressed the issue in favor of a
soapbox for demagoguery. Now he has taken extreme measures, provoking
widespread violence against farmers, teachers, and farm workers.
The citizens of Zimbabwe remain steadfast. The murders, the beatings
and harassment that have been visited upon them have merely
strengthened their resolve.
H. Res. 500 expresses this Congress' profound dismay at these kinds
of practices. It also conveys our solidarity and our support for those
who struggle for democratic freedom wherever they may be.
I would like to thank our friend and distinguished colleague, the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), who was
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an original cosponsor of this measure; and I would also like to commend
the Subcommittee on African Affairs, ably led by its distinguished
chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), and the gentleman
from New Jersey (Mr. Payne), who are also cosponsors. They held an
informative and timely hearing on the situation in Zimbabwe just last
week.
Accordingly, I urge our colleagues to join in support of this
measure.
(Mr. HASTINGS of Florida asked and was given permission to revise and
extend his remarks.)
Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to
object, I would like to make some additional points.
First, I would like to thank the gentleman from New York (Chairman
Gilman) for expediting this matter and, the Chair of the Subcommittee
on Africa, along with the ranking member, the gentleman from New Jersey
(Mr. Payne). It was my pleasure to be a cosponsor with the chairman of
this resolution.
It is simple but it strongly condemns the ongoing spiral of political
violence in Zimbabwe. Mr. Speaker, for those of us who cherish life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and believe that government
should be for the people and by the people, the current situation in
Zimbabwe is not only atrocious, but quite painful.
As we witness the escalation of violence in that tiny nation, it
appears that due process, free speech, and the right of assembly are
ignored. And if quick and robust attention is not brought to these
matters, I fear this nation could slip into civil unrest and economic
devastation.
First, I am gravely concerned about Zimbabwe's economic downturn and
that government's inability to control the inflation, unemployment, and
violence. The economy has suffered and continues to suffer and
Zimbabweans are paying a terrible price. Agriculture production is down
and inflation is over 70 percent.
President Mugabe must immediately demonstrate a willingness to
address its economic problems strategically and equitably.
Second, I would like to express my deep concern for the people of
Zimbabwe by condemning the many egregious acts of violence and
intimidation occurring there against both Zimbabwean farm workers and
individuals who support opposition parties.
Recently, the chairman held a full hearing on this matter in the
Subcommittee on Africa, and we heard from one of those members of the
opposition party by way of technology that is now being utilized in
Committee on International Relations.
The ruling party militants have attacked teachers and health workers,
forcing many to flee their clinics and schools in the wake of pre-
election violence. I strongly condemn the widespread and violent
attacks in Zimbabwe, including reports of murder, rape, beatings, and
burning of homes.
Third, Mr. Speaker, the government of Zimbabwe is supportive of the
squatters who currently occupy white farms. The results of the February
12 referendum provided additional momentum for demographic reform
activists. The people of Zimbabwe sent a message by their ballot that a
constitution perpetuating state power was not acceptable.
And in the interest of time, I would just like to say that the bottom
line is this: President Mugabe and his key associates fear losing power
in a democratic election in which their adversaries are fellow black
Zimbabweans.
Mr. Speaker, I continue to believe that we must act swiftly to avoid
further disaster. I believe that with Sierra Leone in a state of
anarchy, the Democratic Republic of Congo a battlefield, and the other
parts of the African continent are undergoing cataclysmic upheavals, we
cannot allow Zimbabwe to collapse as well.
There is still time, but only if President Mugabe listens, acts
swiftly and returns to his senses.
Mr. Speaker, continuing my reservation, I would like to make some
additional points.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution is simple, but it strongly condemns the
ongoing spiral of political violence in Zimbabwe. It further condemns
all violence directed against farm workers; recommends that a
bipartisan delegation travel to Zimbabwe under the auspices of the
International Republican Institute and the National Democratic
Institute for International Affairs, to monitor elections scheduled for
June 24 and 25, 2000; and urges President Mugabe and his ruling
Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front to enforce the rule of
law, and support international efforts to assist land reform.
Mr. Speaker, for those of us who cherish life, liberty and the
pursuit of happiness and believe that government should be for the
people and by the people, the current situation in Zimbabwe is not only
atrocious but quite painful. As we witness the escalation of violence
in that tiny nation, it appears that due process, free speech, and the
right of assembly are ignored. And if quick and robust attention is not
brought to these matters, I fear this nation could slip into civil
unrest and economic devastation.
First, I am gravely concerned about Zimbabwe's economic downturn and
that government's inability to control inflation, unemployment and
violence. The economy has suffered and continues to suffer, and
Zimbabweans are paying a terrible price. Agricultural production is
down and inflation is over 70 percent. President Mugabe must
immediately demonstrate a willingness to address its economic problems
strategically and equitably.
Second, I'd like to express my deep concern for the people of
Zimbabwe by condemning the many egregious acts of violence and
intimidation occurring there against both Zimbabwean farm workers and
individuals who support opposition parties. Recently, Mr. Speaker, the
ruling party militants have attacked teachers and health workers,
forcing many to flee their clinics and schools in the wake of pre-
election violence. I strongly condemn the widespread and violent
attacks in Zimbabwe, including reports of murder, rape, beatings and
burning of homes.
Third, Mr. Speaker, the government of Zimbabwe is supportive of the
squatters who currently occupy white farms. The results of the February
12th referendum provided additional momentum for democratic reform
activists. The people of Zimbabwe sent a message by their ballot that a
constitution perpetuating state power was not acceptable. President
Mugabe's supported constitution was defeated with approximately 55
percent of all ballots against the measure. However, Mr. Mugabe
rejected rulings from the independent judiciary. He is supportive of
the squatters who currently occupy white farms. To be sure, while the
take overs have been largely peaceful, the Zimbabwe Supreme Court has
ruled these actions to be illegitimated and have ordered the protesting
civil war veterans off the white farms. However, the police and
security personnel have yet to enforce the court decree, and it is now
perceived that the Zimbabwean government is countering the rule of law.
Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is this: President Mugabe and his key
associates fear losing power in a democratic election in which their
adversaries are fellow black Zimbabweans.
Mr. Speaker, I continue to believe that we must act swiftly to avoid
further disaster. I believe that with Sierra Leone in a state of
anarchy, the Democratic Republic of the Congo a battle field and other
parts of the African continent undergoing cataclysmic upheavals, we
cannot allow Zimbabwe to collapse as well. There is still time, but
only if President Mugabe listens, acts swiftly and returns to his
senses.
Mr. Speaker, the United States has a longstanding friendship with the
people of Zimbabwe, and we must do everything we can to preserve and
advance democratic gains, protect civil society, and help the people of
Zimbabwe to uphold the rule of law.
Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 500
Whereas people around the world supported the Republic of
Zimbabwe's quest for independence, majority rule, and the
protection of human rights and the rule of law;
Whereas Zimbabwe, at the time of independence in 1980,
showed bright prospects for democracy, economic development,
and racial reconciliation;
Whereas the people of Zimbabwe are now suffering the
destabilizing effects of a serious, government-sanctioned
breakdown in the rule of law, which is critical to economic
development as well as domestic tranquility;
Whereas a free and fair national referendum was held in
Zimbabwe in February 2000 in which voters rejected proposed
constitutional amendments to increase the president's
authorities to expropriate land without payment;
Whereas the President of Zimbabwe has defied two high court
decisions declaring land seizures to be illegal;
Whereas previous land reform efforts have been ineffective
largely due to corrupt practices and inefficiencies within
the Government of Zimbabwe;
[[Page H4654]]
Whereas recent violence in Zimbabwe has resulted in several
murders and brutal attacks on innocent individuals, including
the murder of farm workers and owners;
Whereas violence has been directed toward individuals of
all races;
Whereas the ruling party and its supporters have
specifically directed violence at democratic reform activists
seeking to prepare for upcoming parliamentary elections;
Whereas the offices of a leading independent newspaper in
Zimbabwe have been bombed;
Whereas the Government of Zimbabwe has not yet publicly
condemned the recent violence;
Whereas President Mugabe's statement that thousands of law-
abiding citizens are enemies of the state has further incited
violence;
Whereas 147 out of 150 members of the Parliament in
Zimbabwe (98 percent) belong to the same political party;
Whereas no date has been set for parliamentary elections in
Zimbabwe;
Whereas the unemployment rate in Zimbabwe now exceeds 60
percent and political turmoil is on the brink of destroying
Zimbabwe's economy;
Whereas the economy is being further damaged by the
Government of Zimbabwe's ongoing involvement in the war in
the Democratic Republic of the Congo;
Whereas the United Nations Food and Agricultural
Organization has issued a warning that Zimbabwe faces a food
emergency due to shortages caused by violence against farmers
and farm workers; and
Whereas events in Zimbabwe could threaten stability and
economic development in the entire region: Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) extends its support to the vast majority of citizens of
the Republic of Zimbabwe who are committed to peace, economic
prosperity, and an open, transparent parliamentary election
process;
(2) strongly urges the Government of Zimbabwe to enforce
the rule of law and fulfill its responsibility to protect the
political and civil rights of all citizens;
(3) supports those international efforts to assist with
land reform which are consistent with accepted principles of
international law and which take place after the holding of
free and fair parliamentary elections;
(4) condemns government-directed violence against farm
workers, farmers, and opposition party members;
(5) encourages the local media, civil society, and all
political parties to work together toward a campaign
environment conducive to free, transparent and fair elections
within the legally prescribed period;
(6) recommends international support for voter education,
domestic election monitoring, and violence monitoring
activities;
(7) urges the United States to continue to monitor violence
and condemn brutality against law abiding citizens;
(8) congratulates all the democratic reform activists in
Zimbabwe for their resolve to bring about political change
peacefully, even in the face of violence and intimidation;
(9) recommends that the United States send a bipartisan
delegation under the auspices of the International Republican
Institute and the National Democratic Institute for
International Affairs to observe the parliamentary election
process in Zimbabwe; and
(10) desires a lasting, warm, and mutually beneficial
relationship between the United States and a democratic,
peaceful Zimbabwe.
The resolution was agreed to.
Amendment to Preamble Offered by Mr. Gilman
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I offer an amendment to the preamble.
The Clerk read as follows:
Amendment to the preamble offered by Mr. Gilman.
In the 14th clause of the preamble, strike ``no date has
been set'' and insert ``June 24 and June 25, 2000, are the
dates''.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no comment on the amendment.
Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, we do not object.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the amendment to the
preamble offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman).
The amendment to the preamble was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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