The US administration has sent Andrew Young former US ambassador to the United Nations, to Zimbabwe, to meet with President Robert Mugabe in attempt to normalize relations.
Amb. Young arrived in Harare on Tuesday which analysts say is admission by US that Mugabe will win the forthcoming elections.
“The State Department has asked me to come visit and just to say that we have Zimbabwe in our hearts and that we would like to see relations with Zimbabwe resume as they were prior to the problems,” he said.
“I hope to see a beginning of freedom, democracy, peace and prosperity in Zimbabwe and I think the US government would like to help with that and I think that every everybody in Zimbabwe whatever their party, whatever their opinion, whatever their race or creed, has got to realise we are on the same side.”
Zanu PF accused Western countries of sponsoring Mr Tsvangirai and his MDC in their bid to topple President Mugabe after he embarked on a controversial land reform programme that displaced white farmers.
The US and other Western countries imposed sanctions on the 89-year-old leader and his inner circle after he won a disputed presidential election against Mr Tsvangirai.
But lately the horizon has been changing to Mugabe’s benefit. Last month, the European Union relaxed its embargo last month, though President Mugabe and 10 army generals remained covered by an asset freeze and travel ban.
However, the US has demanded more political reform and credible elections before it can consider lifting its own embargo.
Additional reporting: Agencies
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