US Rejects Mugabe Calls to End Zimbabwe Sanctions
By VOA News
19 March 2009
The U.S. State Department has rejected calls from Zimbabwe's president, Robert Mugabe, to lift sanctions against him, other top officials and their associates.
Spokesman Robert Wood said the U.S. has not seen sufficient evidence that Zimbabwe is on a firm path toward inclusive, effective governance and a respect for human rights and rule of law.
The United States and European Union imposed the travel and financial sanctions earlier this decade, after alleged human rights abuses and political repression by the Mugabe government.
U.S. officials also said they are not considering any additional aid package to Zimbabwe.
Earlier Thursday, Mr. Mugabe appealed for $5 billion in international aid to help revive Zimbabwe's shattered economy.
He spoke at the official launch of an economic recovery plan prepared by Zimbabwe's new power-sharing government.
Mr. Mugabe's ZANU-PF party and the opposition MDC joined forces in the new government last month, after coming under intense pressure from regional leaders.
Zimbabwe's economy is in ruins following years of declining farm output and soaring inflation.
Unemployment is over 90 percent, and inflation, last measured at 231 million percent in July, has made the country's currency virtually worthless.
Mr. Mugabe blames the crisis on the sanctions and Western interference. Critics blame the president for misguided policies, including land seizures from white farmers.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
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