Military

DATE=3-20-02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT 2-

TITLE=U-S-Zimbabwe (L-Only)

NUMBER=2-287798

BYLINE=David Gollust

DATELINE=State Department

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The United States is dismissing the treason charge against Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai as part of a post-election campaign of official retaliation against those who opposed President Robert Mugabe. U-S officials say they've seen no specifics to back up the allegation against the party chief. David Gollust has details from the State Department.

TEXT: The State Department says it is unaware of any convincing evidence to suggest there is a basis for the prosecution of Mr. Tsvangirai, and it is accusing the government of President Robert Mugabe of wide-spread retaliation against those who backed the opposition in the disputed election earlier this month.

Briefing reporters, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the case against the opposition candidate was only the "latest example" of the retribution campaign being waged by ruling party militia members, farm squatters and other Mugabe allies against commercial farmers and their workers, polling agents and other opposition supporters:

///Boucher actuality///

At least five opposition supporters have been killed. We condemn this campaign of violence and intimidation being carried out by the government of Zimbabwe and its supporters in the post-election period. As Secretary Powell said in a statement on March 13th, the outcome of the fundamentally-flawed March 9th to 11th election will only deepen the crisis in Zimbabwe and the suffering of the Zimbabwean people. The truth of that statement is now readily-apparent.

///end act///

The Bush administration is consulting with the European Union and other governments about expanding targeted sanctions against Mr. Mugabe and his ruling circle in the wake of the election.

As a first step, the Bush administration barred U-S travel by Mr. Mugabe and about 20 of his top associates and an official here said Tuesday another six names had been added to that list.

Other possible U-S measures include a freeze on the financial assets of Zimbabwean leaders similar to the one imposed by the E-U and a ban on sales to Zimbabwe of military equipment and services.

The situation in Zimbabwe is expected to be a major issue for discussion between Secretary of State Powell and African leaders on the sidelines of this week's U-N development conference in Monterrey, Mexico.

Administration officials have expressed open disappointment that a number of elected leaders in Africa have not criticized the conduct of the Zimbabwean election, accusing them of turning a "blind eye" to the blatant abuse of democratic values there. (Signed)

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