UN finally condemns Zimbabwe violence

NY Times:

With Zimbabwe’s opposition under siege and its leader taking refuge at the Dutch Embassy, the Security Council on Monday issued its first sweeping condemnation of the violence gripping the nation, saying it would be “impossible for a free and fair election to take place.

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Taking its first action on the crisis, the long-divided Council issued a one-page statement calling on the government of Zimbabwe to allow opposition rallies, which had been routinely blocked or canceled, and to free political prisoners.

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On Monday, the United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, sharply condemned the violence seizing the impoverished nation and took the unusual step of calling for the runoff to be postponed, saying a vote under the current conditions “would lack all legitimacy.”

“It will only deepen divisions within the country and produce a result that cannot be credible,” Mr. Ban said of the runoff, adding that he had spoken with “a number of African leaders” and found a consensus that it would be wrong to proceed with the vote. “There has been too much violence, too much intimidation,” he said.

As if to underscore the point, Mr. Tsvangirai, who has survived three assassination attempts, sought safety, though not political asylum, at the Dutch Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital , Dutch officials said.

The statement from the Security Council went through several drafts before it won the required unanimous acceptance of all 15 members. Britain led an effort, dominated by the West, to include the toughest language, while South Africa and allies including China and Russia pushed to dilute it somewhat.

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Don't expect anything new from Mugabe. He has shown no respect for the rule of law or the concerns of others. South Africa's attempt to prop him up will be a continuing stain on its reputation. Mbeki's actions on behalf of Mugabe have been nothing short of disgraceful. China and Russia did their typical dance for despots, but South Africa is right next door and in a position to do something to alleviate the suffering of Zimbabwe's people and has instead helped their oppressor.

While Mugabe certainly supports the repression that has taken place, it could not have happened without the active support of the country's security apparatus Which has aggressively abused the opposition and anyone who looks like they may support it. The inhumane conduct should shock the conscience of the world, yet the neighbors of Zimbabwe have been slow to even react or condemn.