UNITED STATES Ambassador to Zimbabwe Bruce Wharton has denied claims that his government has tightened its visa application requirements to bar foreigners from flooding the country. Report by Moses Matenga
Addressing a “Food for Thought” session organised by the US Public Affairs section on Tuesday, Wharton said the only time America was “very strict” on visitors was after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks where the government had no one to trust as “the enemy did not have a badge or uniform to identify with”.
“It is my wish as ambassador to welcome people from Zimbabwe to come (to America). It is in the best interest of both countries and at least 60% of the people who apply to go to America get their visas. America is open for visitors,” said Wharton.
His remarks followed allegations that the US government had deliberately introduced stringent visa requirements to avoid an influx of foreigners.
During his address, Wharton touched on several contentious issues, including US policy on gays and lesbians, role of civic society groups and abortion.
On homosexuals, the US envoy said: “My President Barack Obama comes down simple on this matter: Gay people are people with rights and should be treated as such.
“Abortion is a tough issue that should be between a woman and her physician and her family.”
Wharton said civic society groups had a critical role to play in the development of any country and should be given space to do so.
