International Desk

The Group of Eight on Tuesday agreed to impose sanctions on leading Zimbabwean officials believed to have played a part in last month’s controversial presidential elections which enabled Robert Mugabe to remain in office.

The group condemned the election results and said financial and other action would be taken against those directly responsible for the violence that preceded and followed the election.In a formal statement, the group said, “We deplore the fact that the Zimbabwean authorities pressed ahead with the presidential election despite the absence of appropriate conditions for free and fair voting as a result of their systematic violence, obstruction and intimidation.”

The G8 also urged African leaders to take decisive action against Robert Mugabe, saying failure to do so could result in further trade and investment sanctions enforced on the continent.

An African Union summit issued a resolution last week calling for talks leading to a national unity government in Zimbabwe.