    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 47 (Monday, December 1, 2008)]
    [Page 1452]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on the Situation in Zimbabwe

    November 22, 2008

        Nearly 8 months have passed since the Zimbabwean people voted for a
    new President, yet they still are governed by an illegitimate regime
    that continues to suppress democratic voices and basic human rights. In
    addition to its disastrous economic policies which have forced half the
    population to rely on food assistance, the Mugabe regime is now
    assaulting doctors and nurses, denying citizens access to basic medical
    services, and stealing donor funds intended for HIV/AIDS patients.
        In October alone, independent organizations documented some 1,300
    incidents of politically motivated violence and harassment by the
    regime. We call for an end to the Mugabe regime's brutal repression of
    basic freedoms and for the formation of a legitimate government that
    represents the will of the people as expressed in the March 2008
    elections.
        In spite of the regime's aggressive actions against its own people,
    the United States will continue to honor its commitment to provide
    emergency humanitarian assistance, already totaling $186 million in
    2008, and stands ready to provide other forms of assistance pending the
    formation of a legitimate government that represents the will of the
    Zimbabwean people.

    Note: The statement referred to President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.