by Katie Fretland
President Bush today called Zimbabwe's violence-plagued election a "sham" and promised that the United States was working to punish the country's leader, Robert Mugabe, for his regime's "blatant disregard" for human rights.
Mugabe is accused of using violence and intimidation to force the people of Zimbabwe to vote for him during Friday's runoff election. In today's Chicago Tribune, correspondent Paul Salopek reports from Africa about the people killed in political violence. The opposition released a list of the names of the dead, including 4-year-old Brighton Mambwera, burned to death, and Temba Muronde, tortured and killed with an axe.
Bush instructed Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of Treasury Henry Paulson to pursue sanctions against the government of Zimbabwe and its allies. The U.S. could introduce a U.N. resolution as early as next week seeking measures against Mugabe.
"We will press for strong action by the United Nations, including an arms embargo on Zimbabwe and travel ban on regime officials. We will continue to work closely with the African Union, Southern African Development Community, and other world leaders to resolve this crisis," Bush said.
Bush said the United States would support a legitimate government with development assistance and debt relief. Until then, he said, the United States will continue to help in providing food and AIDS treatment to the people of Zimbabwe.
"The international community has condemned the Mugabe regime's ruthless campaign of politically-motivated violence and intimidation with a strong and unified voice that makes clear that yesterday's election was in no way free and fair," Bush said.
Read more about the election and the fate of those killed here.
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Comments
"President Bush today called Zimbabwe's violence-plagued election a "sham" and promised that the United States was working to punish the country's leader"
Yep, and the Decider Guy knows what he's talking about when speaking of sham elections (2000, 2004) and using violence and intimidation (Iraq) as a weapon for getting what he want's.
Posted by: John E | June 28, 2008 2:34 PM
How can we punish Mugabe without also punishing a lot of innocent people? What will work? Travel bans and an arms embargo aren't going to help much if the deteriorating situation in that country hasn't already caused his ouster.
Posted by: John W. | June 28, 2008 4:53 PM
I wish Bush would quit punishing us!!! Obama 2008
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | June 28, 2008 6:14 PM
Can we punish Bush?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lio6imaRR68
Posted by: Aung San Suu Kyi | June 28, 2008 6:37 PM
Punish Mugabe? When will Bush arrive in Zimbabwe?
Posted by: Kenny Bunkport© | June 28, 2008 9:06 PM
Time for another regime change?Aren't these types of crimes the reason we went after Saddam?
Posted by: lochnessmonster | June 29, 2008 6:48 AM
Make him listen to a McBush speech.
Posted by: bill r. | June 29, 2008 7:06 AM
Well, at least this time, he listened to his advisors. He, at least, found out where Zimbabwe is located, not bad for an underachiever and a C- student. Keep up the good work, President Bush, maybe the next time, you'll get it right !! In the meantime, pack them bags and get ready to vacate our White House !! Your absence will be greatly appreciated !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | June 29, 2008 10:31 AM
No, Bush won't invade Zimbabwe. Unless they strike oil!
Posted by: athena | June 29, 2008 1:11 PM
[[President Bush today called Zimbabwe's violence-plagued election a "sham" and promised that the United States was working to punish the country's leader, Robert Mugabe, for his regime's "blatant disregard" for human rights.]]
the first poster beat me to it, but bush has absolutely no sense of irony...to say nothing of shame. if you asked bush about the abuses at abu ghraib or the secret prisons or people held at guantanamo without charges, without access to lawyers, he would tell you that we're "fighting a war on terror" and "these are dangerous terrorists," so dangerous that they can't be allowed inside a courtroom.
if you asked mugabe about his tactics, he would tell you that his opponents are dangerous men under the sway of europe and the united states. the election was fair, he would say. they CHOSE to drop out.
my point is that we have squandered our moral authority.
thabo mbeki won't push mugabe, so barring a revolution or an assassination of mugabe, the people of zim will probably have to suffer until the old man drops dead
Posted by: FWIW | June 29, 2008 1:41 PM
PUNISH him???...Is Bush his DADDY????...you PUNISH your underage kids, for Pete's sake!!!
Posted by: Mary in Fort Madison | June 29, 2008 2:54 PM
If Bush does nothing about despot Mugabe, he'll get criticized by the far left. If he tries to take some action, he'll get criticized by the far left. Someone remind me why anyone should listen to the far left.
Posted by: Herbie H. | June 30, 2008 10:37 AM