Canada condemns Zimbabwe polls, imposes sanctions
OTTAWA (AFP) — Canada on Sunday condemned Zimbabwe's one-man election as "illegitimate" and announced a series of sanctions as President Robert Mugabe was sworn to a new term in Harare.
"The government of Zimbabwe's systematic use of violence and intimidation represents a grave violation of human rights and democratic principles," said Foreign Minister David Emerson in a statement.
"The citizens of Zimbabwe have been denied the opportunity to shape their future through free and fair elections, and they remain in constant danger of intimidation, injury and loss of life," Emerson said.
He added: "Canada does not consider the result of the June 27 election to be, by any reasonable standard of democracy, a credible outcome. This 'election' is illegitimate and will not be accepted by the government of Canada."
Emerson announced measures to restrict Ottawa's relationship with the Zimbabwe government, including travel restrictions on senior Zimbabwean government, military and police officials and their families.
Ottawa also restricted rights for any aircraft registered in Zimbabwe to land in or to fly over Canada.
The government it plans to summon the ambassador of Zimbabwe to Canada to convey Ottawa's stance.
Mugabe took the oath of office at his State House residence on Sunday and issued an appeal for "unity."
The victory declaration was derided as a "joke" by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, which pulled out of the run-off last weekend after a wave of deadly attacks on its supporters.
