Home »

In a major escalation of international pressure against Robert Mugabe's regime, President George W. Bush has said he will press for a UN arms embargo on Zimbabwe and a travel ban for regime officials.

Condemnation from some, a less harsh approach from other nations, as sources say Robert Mugabe prepares to be sworn in as Zimbabwe's president.

Mr Bush denounced Zimbabwe's government as "illegitimate", accused Mr Mugabe of "blatant disregard" for democracy and human rights and dismissed Friday's election as a "sham".

Earlier today, Gordon Brown also attacked Zimbabwe's sham election as "a new low" for the Robert Mugabe regime and urged African countries to help ensure the "sickening chapter" was closed.

The leaders' statements came as Mr Mugabe declared Friday's election a triumph, asserting that voters turned out in record numbers despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

In Harare, government officials said Mr Mugabe was heading for a "huge" electoral victory after his only rival pulled out because of violent intimidation.

He is now likely to be inaugurated tomorrow before flying to Egypt for Monday's African Union summit meeting.

Mr Bush is seeking tougher UN action against the Mugabe regime, and has instructed his secretaries of state and treasury to develop penalties against Zimbabwe's government and its supporters.

Meanwhile the secretary of state Condoleezza Rice said the US plans to introduce a UN resolution seeking tough action against Zimbabwe to send "a strong message of deterrence" to the Mugabe government.

But diplomats at the UN said resistance from South Africa, China and Russia would block any Security Council sanctions.

And some African ministers, seen as having more sway than Western leaders with Mr Mugabe, expressed doubts sanctions would have any impact.

Mr Brown said the African Union, which is holding a summit on Monday, must help restore democracy to Zimbabwe. "Yesterday's attempt to hold an election was a new low," the Prime Minister said. "The world is uniting in rejecting the illegitimate regime of Robert Mugabe.

"The forthcoming African Union summit is an opportunity for the region to restore hope to the people of Zimbabwe."

The diplomatic effort now moves to Egypt, on Monday, where Mr Mugabe is expected to attend an African Union summit.