The constitution that was adopted was adopted as a result of compromise between the two major political parties and with the support generally of civil society.

The United States shares the same fundamental interest as the people of Zimbabwe: a stable, peaceful, democratic Zimbabwe that reflects the will of her people and provides for their needs.

The upcoming elections offer Zimbabweans a critical chance to show their commitment to their new constitution.

On the other hand, I will just assert that it is possible that there are alternative actions we might take if these elections fall significantly short of the SADC criteria.

Relations between the United States and Zimbabwe are guided by our shared aspiration for democratic and humanitarian values.

Zimbabwe should be driving growth and prosperity in southern Africa, but today instead, in the 33 years since independence, Zimbabweans' prospects have become increasingly bleak.

Are you concerned that even if there are relatively peaceful elections, there may not be a smooth transition to an appropriately elected future government?

Zimbabwe does not want to remain a pariah state, a fact that we should be able to leverage.

We should not endorse an election whose outcome is already known nor should we prematurely lower our guard on sanctions or aid.

The crucial issue is what happens before and after and ensuring respect for the outcome, particularly if it is an opposition outcome.

Is it possible for there to be credible elections on this short of a timeline with that modest of a budget, with the restrictions on observers, and with the limitations on engagement?

Positive engagements with Mugabe and his Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party should be conditioned on tangible progress in improving respect for human rights and the rule of law in Zimbabwe.

We need to maintain our vigilance to ensure that barriers to participation... do not undermine the credibility of those results.

What is the United States doing to address those concerns and have concerns like this been addressed effectively through the Kimberley Process?

If Zimbabwe were to change and if we were to see a changed timeline, with free and fair and open elections...

These groups and international groups together can make a difference in moving Zimbabwe toward making the right decisions.

I would agree with your assertion that we should not be lifting sanctions simply in response to a peaceful election, but should instead insist on the whole menu of respect for private property, for human rights, for open civil society, for…

I do think that the United States could use its diplomatic and other influence, particularly working with our like-minded allies, to try to squeeze the diamond centers that are purchasing these diamonds and enabling the violence and…