UN Takes Up Zimbabwe Action Today

US, EU push penalties; eyes are on response of African nations

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 23, 2008 9:29 AM CDT

(Newser) – The UN Security Council today will address the struggle for power in Zimbabwe, one day after opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai dropped out of the presidential race because of violent intimidation, the Guardian reports. The US, Britain, and France hope to convince China and Russia to condemn Robert Mugabe's government. The EU, meanwhile, is pushing for penalties of its own, and African countries are considering how to proceed.

Mugabe “has united the world against him,” said a UK official. “He is not by any stretch of international law, or political imagination, a legitimate leader.” It's likely to be African countries—several of which have already strongly criticized the election process—that will have the strongest impact, the Guardian notes.

Halie Menkerios, right, United Nations Assistant Secretary General For Political affairs, greets Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe in Harare, Tuesday, June, 17, 2008. (AP Photo)

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe leaves the Ambasciatori Hotel in Rome, Thursday, June 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)

Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the main opposition party in Zimbabwe, attends a press conference in Harare, Sunday, June, 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

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US, EU push penalties; eyes are on response of African nations

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US, EU push penalties; eyes are on response of African nations

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Zimbabwe • Robert Mugabe • international sanctions • Zimbabwe elections • UN Security Council

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

South African Prez to Plead With Mugabe to Save Race

Results of uncontested race should be ignored, Britain insists

S. Africa Blocks Sending UN Envoy to Zimbabwe

Security Council hits stalemate

Mugabe Rival Accused of Treason

Dangerous new stakes in controversial election

Zimbabwe's PM May Face Treason in WikiLeaks Fallout

Tsvangirai's support for sanctions prompts treason probe

Obama Out to Topple Mugabe

US to lead push for UN sanctions

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Newser By Users

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