Statement by Secretary Condoleezza Rice
Washington, DC
June 23, 2008
Crisis in Zimbabwe
Yet another vicious assault on the opposition and its supporters for exercising their right to assemble and their right
to free speech has reinforced that it is impossible for there to be a free, fair or peaceful election in Zimbabwe on
June 27. Due to these and other events, and out of concern for the lives of his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)
supporters, Morgan Tsvangirai announced he will no longer contest the run-off election.
The United States condemns in the strongest terms the Government of Zimbabwe's continuing campaign of violence against
its own people. It is abundantly clear that Mugabe is determined to thwart the will of the people of Zimbabwe as so
clearly expressed on March 29. Reports that international election monitors were also victims of state-sponsored
violence are particularly troubling.
Both the MDC and Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) parties must work together on behalf of the
people of Zimbabwe. The Mugabe regime cannot be considered legitimate in the absence of a runoff. In forsaking the most
basic tenet of governance – the protection of its people – the Government of Zimbabwe must be held accountable by the
international community. We call upon the Southern African Development Community, African Union Peace and Security
Council, and the United Nations Security Council to take up this issue immediately.
2008/517
Released on June 23, 2008
ENDS