WA: Smith tightens sanctions against Zimbabwe

AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-2008
WA: Smith tightens sanctions against Zimbabwe

PERTH, Dec 17 AAP - Australia has tightened sanctions against the brutal Mugabe regime
in Zimbabwe, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said on Wednesday.

The federal government has added 75 individuals and four companies to its financial
and travel sanctions list against Zimbabwe.

Mr Smith told journalists in Perth there were now a total of 250 individuals on the blacklist.

"These are members of the regime, close supporters of the regime, or the adult children
of the regime," he said.

"And the enhanced sanctions ... follow recent similar moves from the United States,
the United Kingdom and the European Union."

The government also has boosted humanitarian aid to the country to the tune of $1 million,
aimed at the cholera crisis.

"Which we know from UN reports has now spread to neighbouring countries Botswana and
South Africa," Mr Smith told journalists.

"The contribution today (makes) Australia (one of the) five largest humanitarian donor(s)
so far as Zimbabwe is concerned."

Mr Smith said it was three months since the so-called power sharing agreement between
Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai was drafted and Mr Mugabe was doing everything he
could to continue a campaign of violence and intimidation.

AAP jp/bwl

KEYWORD: ZIMBABWE SMITH

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