For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 7, 2003
Statement by the Press Secretary
U.S. Targeted Sanctions on Zimbabwean Government Officials
Under the Authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers
Act and the National Emergencies Act, the President has issued an
Executive Order targeting the assets of Robert Mugabe and 76 Zimbabwean
Government officials who have formulated, implemented, or supported
policies that have undermined Zimbabwe's democratic institutions.
The order blocks all property and economic assets of the targeted
individuals. It also prohibits United States citizens or residents
from engaging in any transaction or dealing with the targeted
individuals.
The Executive Order complements action taken by the European Union
to freeze the assets of these same individuals, and makes clear our
agreement that the situation in Zimbabwe endangers the southern African
region and threatens to undermine efforts to foster good governance and
respect for the rule of law throughout the continent.
This action is aimed not at the people of Zimbabwe but rather at
those most responsible for their current plight. The United States is
acutely aware of the hardships and frustrations which the Zimbabwean
people are enduring. The United States is working diligently with its
international partners to try to ensure that adequate food supplies are
made available to those in need. In the weeks and months ahead, our
Government will continue to seek measures to support the aspirations of
Zimbabwe's people for a peaceful and democratic future.
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