Monday, June 23, 2008

UN, UK & US speak out against Mugabe


Following his announcement to pull out from Friday’s run-off election, Morgan Tsvangirai has sought refuge at the Dutch Embassy in Harare. But the Zimbabwe police chief has issued a statement saying the MDC leader was not under any threat despite dozens of arrests at the MDC headquarters and even charges of treason made against prominent leaders [Sky News]. The decision by Tsvangirai effectively hands President Mugabe victory, though his standing down has brought support from many world leaders. Today UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon called the decision by Mr Tsvangirai “understandable” and agreed with many world leaders that the election on Friday would “not be credible”. He said the people of Zimbabwe had a right to live without fear.

“This has implications beyond Zimbabwe’s borders” the UN Secretary General said [BBC]. He asked for other African leaders to make a stand against the regime which have been accused of widespread intimidation, beatings and arrests. Earlier on Monday Condoleezza Rice also spoke out against the Mugabe as did British Prime Minister Gordon Brown who said “The whole world sees the regime for what it is”. Jendayi Frazer, the US Assistant Secretary of State, told
CNN that “the world community has to speak with one voice and very loudly”. But despite the rhetoric there has been little firm action stated.

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