191: Annan speaks out on Zimbabwe

Kofi Annan hailed the success of African leaders in resolving the Kenyan post-election crisis today - and suggested the same kind of commitment will be necessary to solve the mounting crisis in Zimbabwe. According to today's linked article from BBC online, the former UN Secretary General made his comments in Nairobi, where he had held talks with Zimbabwean opposition leaders. Annan said the situation in Zimbabwe was dangerous and would have impacts beyond the nation's borders. Meanwhile, Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has apparently fled the country, and his party is refusing to contest any presidential election run-off unless security and independent monitoring can be guaranteed. Certainly, the country's future is hanging precariously in the balance, and Annan's call to action is both important and timely... Meanwhile, arms from China bound for Zimbabwe were blocked entry through the South African port of Durban, as unionized dockworkers refused to unload them, citing concerns about the situation in Zimbabwe, and branding SA premier Thabo Mbeki's stance towards the crisis inadequate. A principled act, certainly - as is Annan's speaking out. The coming days will tell whether either has had an impact.