London
23 June 2008
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has told parliament that hisgovernment does not recognize the government of Zimbabwean PresidentRobert Mugabe. He also said Britain is working with the internationalcommunity to increase pressure on Zimbabwe. Tendai Maphosa reportsfrom London.
The increasingly violent repression in Zimbabwebefore Friday's run-off presidential elections is sparking harshcondemnation from world leaders.
In London, Prime MinisterGordon Brown told parliament the international community must speakwith one voice and take action against President Mugabe's government.
Replyingto a suggestion by the leader of the opposition Conservative PartyDavid Cameron to withdraw international recognition of the Zimbabweangovernment, Mr. Brown said Britain does not recognize the currentZimbabwean government.
"As far as recognition is concerned Imade it absolutely clear we do not recognize the regime as legitimate.That has been made clear for many, many weeks and months," he said.
Lateron, Foreign Secretary David Miliband explained that while the Britishgovernment cannot "de-recognize the state of Zimbabwe,Mr. Mugabe's government is another matter."
"We do not believethat a government which has clubbed its way to victory and which hasdefied the constitution which requires a second round within 30 days ofthe first round of the election can claim to be the legitimaterepresentative of the Zimbabwean people," he said.
Milibandsaid the violent campaign by Mr. Mugabe's supporters against theopposition, left opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai with no option butto withdraw from Friday's presidential runoff poll.
"The stagewas set for the most rigged election in African history, the failure isnot of the opposition but of the government," he said. "Robert Mugabeand his thugs made an election impossible certainly made the notion ofa free and fair election farcical. It is clear that the only peoplewith democratic legitimacy are those who won the parliamentary majorityon the 29th of March and those who took the most votes in thepresidential election and that was of course the opposition."
Mr.Tsvangirai won the most votes in the presidential election on March 29,but the Zimbabwe Election Commission ruled that he did not gain anoutright majority. The opposition Movement for Democratic Change alsowon the parliamentary elections and most local government elections.
Duringthe parliamentary session in London on Monday, Prime Minister Brownrepeated the threat of more pressure on the Zimbabwean government. Hesaid the British government had asked the European Union to considerfurther financial sanctions against the 130 people already on the EUtravel ban list. He said the sanctions might also target otherindividuals and be extended to their families.
"We know thenames of those who have been responsible for running the criminal cabalsurrounding Mugabe in Zimbabwe and we are determined to force throughthe sanctions and also to track down the money in their accounts inother countries," Brown said.
Dozens of opposition supportersare reported to have been killed in election-related violence in recentweeks. After announcing he would not contest Friday's run-off becauseof the violence, Mr. Tsvangirai sought refuge in the Dutch embassy inHarare, fearing for his safety.