Washington, D.C., June 20, 2008 - Representative Donald Payne, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, in an exclusive interview with the Voice of America (VOA), called for continued international pressure on Zimbabwe to control political violence and intimidation before the June 27 presidential election.
"I think that it certainly is important that the free world expresses its concern about the situation in Zimbabwe. I think that even though Mr. Mugabe has tended not to listen, I do believe that it is useful for our voices to be heard," said Congressman Payne. "And at the end of the day, perhaps he may listen to some of the pleas for a fair and free election."
He also hoped that other African leaders, in particular, would speak out, noting the remarks made this week by Kenya's new prime minister, Raila Odinga, who called for an international peacekeeping force.
"Perhaps other African leaders might speak out as the election comes to the date. And that may have influence on the behavior of the security forces and the government of Zimbabwe," the congressman told VOA.
Earlier this week Congressman Payne sponsored a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives condemning Zimbabwe's election-related violence and calling for a fair and peaceful resolution to the political crisis.
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