The United States on Thursday moved a resolution in the 15-member Security Council, seeking targeted sanctions against Zimbabwean leaders, and a vote is expected sometime next week.The resolution also calls on the Mugabe Government to remove all obstacles for provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Zimbabwe facing acute economic crisis.Speaking to reporters, American UN Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said sanctioning Zimbabwean leadership has become necessary in view of the “flawed” presidential elections held despite warning by the international community and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon that poll should be postponed as conditions for free and fair vote do not exit. Robert Mugabe was officially elected the President in the elections, which was marred by violence.Human rights groups alleged that members of Mugabe’s party unleashed violence on those who opposed him to prevent them from voting in the election.Because of “flawed” election, Khalilzad said that there is a “crisis of political legitimacy.” This crisis has not only impacts the people of Zimbabwe and the region, but also “credibility” of the Council.
