    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [July 25, 2008]
    [Pages 1051-1052]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing an Executive Order Blocking Property of Additional
    Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Zimbabwe
    July 25, 2008

        Today I have signed a new Executive order that expands our sanctions
    against the illegitimate Government of Zimbabwe. The new Executive order
    significantly enhances our ability to designate individuals in and
    entities connected to the Mugabe regime. Under
    the new Executive order, the Treasury Department will today designate
    several of these Government-controlled entities.
        This action is a direct result of the Mugabe regime's continued politically motivated violence,
    disregarding calls from the Southern African Development Community, the
    African Union, and the United Nations to halt the attacks. The regime
    has also continued its ban against NGO activities that would provide
    assistance to the suffering and vulnerable people of Zimbabwe. No regime
    should ignore the will of its own people and calls from the
    international community without consequences.
        Should ongoing talks in South Africa between Mugabe's regime and the Movement of Democratic Change result in
    a new government that reflects the will of the Zimbabwean people, the
    United States stands ready to provide a substantial assistance package,
    development aid, and normalization with international financial
    institutions.
        In the meantime, I am reaffirming my commitment to support the
    suffering people of Zimbabwe, authorizing the use of up to $2.5 million
    from the U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance

    [[Page 1052]]

    Fund to assist Zimbabwean refugees and asylum seekers who have been
    displaced due to the ongoing violence in their country. We will also
    continue our efforts to provide food and health assistance as part of
    our commitment to help the people of Zimbabwe in their time of greatest
    need.

    Note: The statement referred to President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. The
    Executive order is listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.