Herald Reporters
Outgoing US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Charles Ray says United States should not impose its model of democracy on other people.

Mr Ray said there was nothing like “absolute democracy” as even the democratic models of the UK, Canada and the US, were not the same.
The American envoy made these remarks after emerging from a meeting with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai at the Munhumutapa offices in Harare.
“No one should come and say do this or that. You should see things in this way,” said Mr Ray.

“The US system of government works in the US and for over 200 years it has worked for the people of America.
“I must say that every government should understand the needs of its people. On the other hand, there is no such thing as a purely democratic government . . . And there cannot be a comparison of democracy in the UK, Canada and the US,” he said.

Mr Ray’s comments contrast with US interference and meddling in other countries’ politics, in the name of democratisation. Turning to sanctions, Mr Ray said Washington would not be influenced by the stance taken by the EU to ease the embargo against Harare.

He said Washington had its own review mechanisms and would not be influenced by re-engagement discussions between Zimbabwe and the EU to normalise relations.
“We review as the situation requires. The EU might review two times per year,” he said.

On his imminent departure, Mr Ray continued with the conciliatory tone he has adopted in the twilight of his stay in Zimbabwe.
“My stay has been interesting as we watched Zimbabwe struggle to keep afloat. There has been progress notably in the economy as things are not as bad as they were four years ago,” he said.

He said Zimbabwe’s future was bright, buoyed by “a young and intelligent population”.