[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

[[Page H4653]]

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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