G8 to move against Mugabe allies

[Hamza]

G8 to move against Mugabe allies



Robert Mugabe addresses supporters at Harare airport, 4 July 2008
Sanctions would target specific members of Mr Mugabe's government

G8 leaders meeting in Japan have said they will seek targeted sanctions against members of the Zimbabwean government over last month's polls.

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 UN Security Council envoy to report on the situation in Zimbabwe and help mediate.

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

South African President Thabo Mbeki, the chief regional negotiator on Zimbabwe who has been urging a unity government, reportedly told G8 leaders that UN sanctions could lead to civil war.

Senegal's leader, Abdoulaye Wade, told the AFP news agency: "I said that sanctions... wouldn't change the regime."

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe won re-election after the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) pulled out of a June run-off presidential vote, citing state-sponsored violence.