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G8 Leaders Statement on Zimbabwe
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For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary July 8, 2008

G8 Leaders Statement on Zimbabwe Office of the Press Secretary Toyako,
Japan

ÿÿWhite House News


1. We expressed our grave concern about the situation in Zimbabwe. We
deplore the fact that the Zimbabwean authorities pressed ahead with the
presidential election despite the absence of appropriate conditions for
free and fair voting as a result of their systematic violence, obstruction
and intimidation.

2. We do not accept the legitimacy of any government that does not reflect
the will of the Zimbabwean people.

3. We strongly urge the Zimbabwean authorities to work with the opposition
to achieve a prompt, peaceful resolution of the crisis. It is important
that any mediation process respect the results of the March 29, 2008
election.

4. We support the African Union (AU) as it expresses deep concern with the
negative reports from the Southern African Development Community (SADC),
the AU and the Pan-African Parliament observers on the elections and the
loss of life that has occurred in Zimbabwe. We also support the AU's call
to encourage Zimbabwean leaders to initiate dialogue with a view to
promoting peace and stability. We encourage regional bodies, including SADC
and the AU, to provide strong leadership toward a quick and democratic
resolution of this crisis, including by further strengthening the regional
mediation process.

5. We are deeply concerned by the humanitarian dimension of the situation
in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean authorities must allow the immediate resumption
of humanitarian operations and full and non-discriminatory access to
humanitarian assistance to prevent the suffering of the most vulnerable
people in Zimbabwe.

6. We will continue to monitor the situation and work together with SADC,
the AU, the UN and other relevant organizations for a prompt resolution of
the crisis. We recommend the appointment of a special envoy of the UN
Secretary-General to report on the political, humanitarian, human rights
and security situation and to support regional efforts to take forward
mediation between political parties. We will take further steps, inter alia
introducing financial and other measures against those individuals
responsible for violence.

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