UN Security Council Members Speak On Zimbabwe

Members of the United Nations Security Council spoke today regarding the on-going electoral crisis in Zimbabwe.  The audio is linked below.

Current Security Council President, United States Ambassador Zalmay Kahlilzad described the current climate of Security Council discussion.  Ambassador Kahlizad also explained the difficulties, from a US perspective, of a consensus decision within the Security Council.  He described the need for both a carrot and a stick when dealing with current Zimbabwe President Mugabe.  Kahlilzad added that “we need to add pressure” to the current government.

The Permanent Representative from the United Kingdom, John Sawyers, discussed the range of views within the Security Council.  He emphasized, however, that there is a “widespread view that the Council cannot do nothing.”

South African Permanent Representative Dumisani Shadrack Kumalo discussed how he cannot imagine sanctions as an effective stick when dealing with the brutality of Mugabe.  Representative Kumalo also explained that while the international community may see the Zimbabwe crisis as a threat to regional and gloal stability, the African Union disagrees.  The AU, according the Representative Kumalo, is affraid of an over-exertion of Security Council power.

 

 US Respresentative Kahlilzad On Zimbabwe: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 UK Respresentative Sawyers On Zimbabwe: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 South Africa Representative Kumalo On Zimbabwe: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download