Home | China | World | Business U.S. Imposes Travel Ban on Zimbabwean Leaders SUN, FEB 24, 2002     The United States has announced limited travel sanctions on Zimbabwean leaders, suspending entry into the U.S. soil of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, his family and senior government officials. U.S. President George W. Bush approved the sanctions Friday night, shortly after his return from a six-day Asian tour which took him to Japan, South Korea and China. Bush said in a statement that the move was taken "in light of the political and humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe, and the continued failure of President Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwean government officials and others to support the rule of law." He said the sanctions also cover those who have received "significant financial benefit" from dealings with Zimbabwean officials. Bush said the sanctions is effective immediately and would be terminated only at the discretion of U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said later that Mugabe could undo the U.S. sanctions by allowing the general elections scheduled for March 9-10 to proceed legitimately. State Department Richard Boucher first disclosed the U.S. sanctions plan on Tuesday, the second day after the European Union imposed a series of sanctions on Zimbabwe to protest the expelling of EU election observer Pierre Schori earlier this week. Boucher said the U.S. was also considering financial sanctions on Zimbabwe and a final decision would rely on how the general elections proceed in the African country. Editor:Zhong Source:xinhuanet Recommend to your friend email:    China Central Television,All Rights Reserved