From the ArcaMax Publishing, News & Features Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/newsheadlines/s-372995-198239
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UPI) -- U.S. Embassy workers in Harare, Zimbabwe,
Thursday were trying to move to safe houses more than 200 Zimbabweans
seeking refuge from election-related violence.
"What we are trying to do, as we have done in past similar cases, is
to work with (non-government organizations) and other third parties to
see if they can provide assistance to these people," said State
Department spokesman Sean McCormack during a briefing in Washington.
About 220 people gathered on the sidewalk in Harare adjacent to the
embassy, McCormack said. Embassy personnel were working to move most
of the women and children into safe houses.
McCormack said the people were forced out of opposition party Movement
for Democratic Change headquarters.
MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew from the June 27 runoff, citing
violence and intimidation, leaving Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe
as the only candidate. Mugabe has been denounced by world leaders for
the state-sanctioned campaign of violence against MDC supporters, who
say his loyalists killed 80 MDC supporters.
"I think it's fair to assume that they're seeking some form of
refuge," McCormack said.
When asked if the group in front of the embassy was safe, the
spokesman said he didn't have "any indication" otherwise.