Ambassador McGee ends term
Harare, July 6th 2009: Ambassador James D. McGee left Harare yesterday, concluding two years of service as Ambassador to Zimbabwe. A career diplomat, McGee will continue working for the State Department at the National Defense University in Washington, DC.
McGee bade farewell to hundreds of Zimbabweans at the July 4th Independence Day commemoration last Friday, noting the changes that have taken place in Zimbabwe since he arrived in November 2007.
“Today … we have an inclusive government comprised of Zimbabwe’s three main parties. … Zimbabwe is at least working on recovery. But at the same time so much remains to be done. The rule of law and human rights are still under attack in Zimbabwe. Innocent Zimbabweans continue to be arrested and prosecuted. ”
McGee pledged his government’s support to efforts by Zimbabweans to restore democracy and economic prosperity.
“For real change to take hold in Zimbabwe, average Zimbabweans must do what the founders of the U.S. did 233 years ago. They must stand up for their rights and demand a government of their choosing that serves their interests. If they do so, I promise that the United States will support them in their quest,” said McGee. (See full remarks at http://harare.usembassy.gov)
Katherine S. Dhanani is Charge’d Affaires.
President Barack Obama has announced his intention to nominate Charles A. Ray, a career member of the Foreign Service since 1982. Ray has been the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Prisoners of War/Missing Personnel Affairs since 2006. He served as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia from 2002 to 2005.
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