U.S. expands sanctions against Mugabe's government

By Nelson Banya HARARE (Reuters) - The United States expanded sanctions against President Robert Mugabe's government on Friday, increasing pressure on the Zimbabwean leader as his party discusses a power-sharing deal with the opposition. The U.S. move followed a similar EU decision this week. U.S. President George W. Bush said it was a response to continued political violence after Mugabe's re-election on June 27 in a vote boycotted by the opposition and condemned around the world. Mugabe's party has begun talks with Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC on sharing power to end a dire political and economic crisis. But state media said the ruling ZANU-PF would insist that Mugabe's re-election be recognized, casting doubt over chances for agreement. President Bush said in a statement he had signed an order which would make it easier to... [read full story]