BERLIN — German Chancellor Angela Merkel took a tough stance against Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, condemning his re-election last week as illegitimate and vowing in an interview with The Associated Press that the European Union would seek “all possible sanctions” against the country’s government and leader.
“We will take up the issue again within the EU, under the leadership of the French presidency,” Merkel said. “We will think up all possible sanctions and check to see what more we can do, such as travel bans” for members of Mugabe’s regime.
The EU, which is calling for new elections, said Friday it was ready to consider “appropriate measures” against those responsible for violence in Zimbabwe but did not elaborate.
The U.S. also is seeking international sanctions against Mugabe and his top aides.
In a wide-ranging interview this week in her vast office with sweeping views of the Reichstag parliament building, Merkel hinted that the Group of Eight may apply pressure on African leaders invited to the summit to take a more forceful position against Mugabe. The Associated Press
