This is a huge week on the international stage of diplomacy. Zimbabwe’s second round of presidential elections is scheduled for this Friday, however, Tsvangirai has backed out of the race. It’s the second time Mugabe’s challengers have backed out the week before the election; two opponents pulled out in 1996 following intimidation.

Late Monday, the UN Security Council unanimously condemned the violence in Zimbabwe. This news is of critical significance because it marks the first time Russia and China have publicly denounced the actions of the ruling ZANU-PF party under Robert Mugabe.

The Security Council regrets that the campaign of violence and the restrictions on the political opposition have made it impossible for a free and fair election to take place on 27 June.

I’m still waiting for something we don’t already know. I mean, really. The last time there was a free and fair presidential election in Zimbabwe, Dick Nixon was standing on the steps of Marine One waving back at the White House.

The BBC is reporting that “the US ambassador to the UN, Zalmay Khalilzad said the Security Council was sending a strong message to Mr Mugabe.”

“We were able to get a unanimous statement, sending a clear message that we all want to help the people of Zimbabwe, that there is a need for establishing a legitimate order,” he said.

I applaud the UN Security Council and their actions today, but so far it’s all talk… and no walk. When Morgan backed out yesterday, reporters in Harare said the streets were quiet with the exception of ZANU youth militia marching through the streets chanting, “Win or war!”

Come Friday, election or not, Mugabe will start his 29th year in power.

The photo is from The Times, and shows Zimbabweans lined up to buy bread near a campaign poster of President Robert Mugabe on Monday in Bulawayo.

This entry was posted on Monday, June 23rd, 2008 at 11 pm and is filed under africa, politics, world.