Bush widens sanctions on Zimbabwe

Measures target individuals blamed for electoral violence, embassy says Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi / AP file Supporters of President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF attend a Mugabe campaign rally in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe, on June 26. WASHINGTON - President Bush on Friday signed an order expanding U.S. sanctions against the "illegitimate" Zimbabwe government of President Robert Mugabe. "This action is a direct result of the Mugabe regime's continued politically-motivated violence," Bush said in a statement. Mugabe won a landslide victory last month in a vote condemned by Western nations and boycotted by opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who cited government-sponsored violence and intimidation. Earlier, the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe said the strengthened sanctions would target individual Zimbabweans blamed for deadly electoral violence.... [read full story]