Wharton bids VP Mphoko farewell

Harare Bureau
Outgoing United States ambassador Bruce Wharton yesterday said relations between his country and Zimbabwe had improved in the past three years, but said Washington would maintain its illegal sanctions regime against Harare. Briefing journalists after bidding farewell to Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko at his Munhumutapa offices, Wharton said both countries had a duty to work towards normalisation of relations.

“For the past three years I think we’ve made real progress,” he said. “I had a number of meetings with several government officials and good conversations about what both Zimbabwe and United States can do to improve the relations between the two governments. I remain convinced that the future is good for both of us.”

Asked what the US was doing to remove illegal sanctions under the widely condemned Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act, Wharton said both Harare and Washington had an obligation to work towards their removal.

“It takes action from both the US and Zimbabwe,” he said. “I can’t predict what Zimbabwe will do. The magic is if Zimbabwe focuses on the concerns that gave rise to Zidera.” The US and the European Union imposed illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe after Harare embarked on the land reform programme aimed at correcting historical land imbalances skewed in favour of the white colonial minority.

Wharton said issues that Zimbabwe should work on had to do with investment policies to make them predictable. “Confidence is built in many different ways,” he said. “If I were Zimbabwe I would strive to improve this country’s economy, that includes title to land, making sure that courts work properly and having a clear and predictable investment policy.”

Asked on his achievements during his tenure, Wharton said he helped the US increase its support in many areas, including humanitarian assistance. “I think I’ve been able to increase US interest to do business with Zimbabwe,” he said. Wharton expressed gratitude to the government of Zimbabwe for allowing him to serve the country for seven years of his 30 years of diplomatic service.

The diplomat was in Zimbabwe in the early 2000s as a junior officer before he returned as an ambassador from 2012 to the end of the month. Yesterday’s meeting was attended by Minister in VP Mphoko’s office, Thabitha Kanengoni-Malinga. The US government has since appointed Harry Kay Thomas to replace Wharton, who is expected to complete his tour of duty this month.