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.

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

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 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…

Engagement and flexibility does not mean appeasement.

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

What more can we or should we do moving forward?

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

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

I think there is still the possibility of progress in security sector reform, in electoral reform, and with some significant changes it is still possible for there to be credible, free, and fair elections later this year.

If the outcome is already decided, then it cannot by definition be a competitive election.

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