Cablegate: Zimbabwe: 2005 Country Reports On Terrorism

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

131135Z Dec 05

UNCLAS HARARE 001678

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

AF/S FOR B. NEULING
S/CT FOR R. SHORE
S/CT FOR E. SALAZAR
NSC FOR SENIOR AFRICA DIRECTOR C. COURVILLE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC PTER PGOV PREL ZI
SUBJECT: ZIMBABWE: 2005 COUNTRY REPORTS ON TERRORISM

REF: STATE 193439

1. (U) This cable responds to reftel request to update
information for the 2005 Country Report on Terrorism.

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GENERAL ASSESSMENT
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2. (SBU) Zimbabwe does not fit the criteria stipulated in
paragraph 7 (a) (b) and (c) of reftel instructions. Despite
our strained bilateral relationship and the GOZ,s
self-imposed isolation on most diplomatic issues, local
intelligence and criminal investigative agencies to date have
been very responsive to USG needs and concerns regarding
terrorist issues. At Embassy request, these agencies have
routinely provided assistance by conducting investigative
inquiries, traces, and border checks of individuals thought
to be threats to USG facilities or personnel. The government
in 2004 passed the Anti-Money Laundering and Proceeds of
Crime Act, which addresses terrorist financing and authorizes
the tracking and seizing of assets. Zimbabwe has yet to
become a party to the UN International Convention for the
Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.

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SANCTUARY ASSESSMENT
--------------------

3. (SBU) There is no credible evidence that the GOZ provides
sanctuary to any international or indigenous terrorist group.
The GOZ does, however, maintain diplomatic relations with
countries identified as being state sponsors of terrorism.
Cuba, Iran, Libya, and Sudan have embassies in Harare and
there is an emerging North Korean diplomatic presence in
country.

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INFORMATION ON TERRORIST GROUPS
-------------------------------

4. (SBU) No terrorist cells were identified in by the GOZ in
2005 and Post has no reason to believe that any are active in
Zimbabwe. In the past, Zimbabwe has not been a good
operating environment for terrorist groups due to the
country,s oppressive and omnipresent security and
intelligence agencies. This operating environment may,
however, become more appealing to terrorists if the
capabilities of these agencies continue to be eroded by the
country,s steep economic decline.

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INFORMATION ON FOREIGN GOVERNMENT COOPERATION
---------------------------------------------

5. (SBU) Although the GOZ has not been requested to
cooperation in the investigation or prosecution of any
terrorist act within the past five years, there exist no
known impediments to host government prosecution and/or
extradition of suspected terrorists.

6. (U) Post,s terrorism reporting officer is Political
Officer Bianca Menendez. Her telephone number is (263) (4)
250-593 ext 291 and email addresses are menendezbe@state.gov
(unclassified) and menendezbe@state.sgov.gov (classified).
DELL

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