"The crucial issue is what happens before and after and ensuring respect for the outcome, particularly if it is an opposition outcome."
"We should not endorse an election whose outcome is already known nor should we prematurely lower our guard on sanctions or aid."
"Zimbabwe does not want to remain a pariah state, a fact that we should be able to leverage."
"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 should be driving growth and prosperity in southern Africa, but today instead, in the 33 years since independence, Zimbabweans' prospects have become increasingly bleak."
"Relations between the United States and Zimbabwe are guided by our shared aspiration for democratic and humanitarian values."
"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."
"The upcoming elections offer Zimbabweans a critical chance to show their commitment to their new constitution."
"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 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."
"I am increasingly concerned our government may be sleepwalking down the wrong path."