Chris Coons

A key concern is security sector reform, the politicization of the police and the military and the lack of confidence that they will remain neutral in the election.

Simply basing the U.S. policy on the March 16 constitutional referendum is insufficient.

We should have and the hesitancy we should have toward lifting any sanctions prematurely and the redoubling of effort that is required with our regional partners and our diplomatic efforts to ensure that we do not lose this opportunity 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…

One cannot be confident, but I think that you have a much better chance of having that outcome if everybody is focused on those reforms.

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…

The foundation for full economic turnaround is still missing.

We are at serious risk of sending the wrong signals and damaging U.S. interests in the region.

This hearing is a timely opportunity to shape United States policy, not only because Zimbabwe is facing a critical moment, but also because I am increasingly concerned that our government may be sleepwalking down the wrong path.

These are critically important elections that should be held under conditions in which Zimbabweans are able to freely vote for leadership of their choice.

Credible, free, fair elections are the beginning, beyond which there are other critical benchmarks.

Do expanding Chinese interests in Zimbabwe lessen incentives for the government to improve respect for human rights?

What more can we or should we do moving forward?

So do you think the Kimberley Process continues to be relevant to this conversation?

Even if Mr. Mugabe somehow loses, ZANU-PF will not allow Morgan Tsvangirai to become President.

We continue to believe that the Government of Zimbabwe can promote conditions for a credible electoral process.

The conditions for reengagement outlined in the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act are still apt.

I am increasingly concerned our government may be sleepwalking down the wrong path.

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.

We are concerned that holding elections without providing adequate time for voter registration, inspection of voters' rolls, other needed electoral and democratic reforms will put the credibility of the outcome at risk.

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

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

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.

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.