    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [December 9, 2008]
    [Pages 1438-1439]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Situation in Zimbabwe
    December 9, 2008

        As my administration has made clear, it is time for Robert
    Mugabe to go. Across the continent, African
    voices are bravely speaking out to say now is the time for him to step
    down. These leaders share the desire of ordinary Zimbabweans for a
    return to peace, democracy, and prosperity. We urge others from the
    region to step up and join the growing chorus of voices calling for an
    end to Mugabe's tyranny.
        The United States will continue to work with our partners around the
    world to halt the violence and stem the humanitarian disaster that the
    Mugabe regime is inflicting on its people. We
    stand ready to help rebuild Zimbabwe once a legitimate government has
    been formed that reflects the results of the March elections.

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