Leaders unite against Mugabe

PRESSURE on Robert Mugabe intensified last night when G8 leaders united to demand tougher sanctions against his regime in what Gordon Brown called the “strongest” sign of international condemnation.

Their call for financial and other measures against individuals “responsible for violence” in Zimbabwe marks a change of stance for Russia.

The G8 also called for a special United Nations Security Council envoy to report on the situation in Zimbabwe and help mediate.

African leaders earlier told the G8 they opposed sanctions on Zimbabwe.

The British prime minister said all eight nations were outraged by Mr Mugabe’s controversial re-election as they backed his calls for a UN envoy to be sent to Zimbabwe to broker a deal with the opposition.

Mr Brown will refocus on Zimbabwe today when he meets South African President Thabo Mbeki, criticised for his failure to condemn Mr Mugabe, for talks.

“This is the strongest statement,” he said.

“It shows the unity of the whole international community reflecting the outrage people feel about the violence and intimidation and the illegitimate holding of power by the Mugabe government.”

A United Nations Security Council Resolution setting out the tougher stance is expected to be tabled by the United States in the near future.