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Zimbabwe accused of continuing rights abuses

Amnesty International chief says President Robert Mugabe's ruling party regards violence as a political tool and has no plans to prosecute those responsible for election bloodshed last year.

June 19, 2009|Robyn Dixon

Tsvangirai has argued that without significant Western assistance, the unity government has little hope of achieving any reforms. His government has promised to set up escrow accounts for foreign aid, rather than plowing it directly into the national budget. But the prime minister has not yet been able to sway most foreign donors.

On Thursday, the European Union promised to restore ties with Zimbabwe -- but only after violence is reduced, media freedom is honored and security forces are brought under the control of the government.


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Amnesty International's report underscores concerns about the continuing power of spoilers in Mugabe's party.

"Persistent and serious human rights violations, combined with a failure to introduce reform of the police, army and security forces or address impunity and the lack of clear commitment on some parts of the government, are real obstacles that need to be confronted," Khan said.

McDonald Lewanika, spokesman for the Harare-based rights group Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, said it was too early to provide funds to the government.

"We are urging Western governments to give aid and deepen it, aid for humanitarian assistance and also the education and health sectors," he said. "But when we begin to talk about aid beyond that, or direct budgetary support for this inclusive government, it becomes a different story.

"I think this inclusive government needs to be supported," he said. "We feel that Western governments can promise this kind of support but allow it to be predicated on certain things."

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robyn.dixon@latimes.com

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