Burt Calls For Action On Zimbabwe Regime

4.53.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 1st Jul 2008

Local Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, Richard Burt is calling on Worcestershire residents to support an international petition aimed at getting the United Nations Security Council and the Southern African Development Community to take action over Robert Mugabe's regime in Zimbabwe

He is asking readers to visit www.thepetitionsite.com to sign the Care2 petition and to encourage as many friends as possible to do the same.

Speaking today, Richard said he had added his name to the petition because he was horrified to hear reports of the violence, rape and torture being carried out in Robert Mugabe's name and felt powerless to do anything about it.

"We cannot remain silent while the political violence gripping Zimbabwe continues to claim thousands of innocent victims. We urge the UN and African nations to do everything in their power to help put an end to the horrific bloodshed and to restore peace and the rule of law.

"The wave of political violence has already taken a high human toll with over 200,000 people internally displaced, over 86 opposition supporters killed, 10,000 people injured and maimed, and about 500 women and girls sexually abused or raped.

"Zimbabwe's recent ban on international aid groups and NGOS in the country has left up to half a million Zimbabwean children without health care and food. The Mugabe regime is distributing food mostly to its supporters and if the situation continues, it could lead to massive starvation.

"If everyone who cares about what is happening does this one small thing, then together we can make a difference."