SelectPlusOpposition Leader Pulls Out of Zimbabwe ElectionOpposition Leader Pulls Out of Zimbabwe ElectionThe Associated PressOpposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai pulled out of Zimbabwe's violence-wracked presidential runoff, declaring that the election was no longer credible and the loss of life among his supporters was simply too high. (June 23)The presidential runoff in Zimbabwe has been violent and now, the opposition leader says he wants nothing to do with it.Morgan Tsvangari (svahn-gah-REYE) says the election is no longer credible and lists a number of reasons why it has become too dangerous.SOT: Morgan Tsvangari, Opposition Leader: "One, the police have been reduced to be bystanders while ZANU-PF militia commit crimes against humanity, carrying out various acts from rape, torture, murder, arson, abduction and other atrocities. Two, ZANU-PF militia dressed in army regalia have been deployed to spearhead the terror campaign in the rural and urban areas. Armed ZANU-PF youths are waging a terror campaign, and have vowed that the MDC will not rule the country, even if it wins."The withdrawal came as no surprise to African election observers.SOT: Marwick Khumalo, Head of Pan African Parliament Observer Mission: "The announcement by the president of the MDC was not something unexpected. You would actually expect that to happen, particularly considering the fact that the violence was not on the decrease, if anything it was escalating."The country's imformation minister says the vote will go ahead as scheduled in accordance with the Constitution. He says it is an election of the people of Zimbabwe against Britain and America. The government has called Tsvangari a puppet of western powers and has done little to stop the violence.The U.N. Secretary general issued a blunt condemnation of Mugabe's government. And Britain says enough is enough.SOT: Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister: "This is a criminal cabal that is operating and there will be sanctions from the international community unless the violence stops."The announcement means Robert Mugabe has a clear road to stay in power. His 28-year rule has led to criticism from even his loyal allies. They accuse Mugabe of becoming a despot and bankrupting Zimbabwe. ___ ___, The Associated Press
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