MP CALLS FOR ACTION ON ZIMBABWE REGIME

8.49.16pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 6th Jul 2008

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt is calling on borough 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

She 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, Lorely said she had added her name to the petition because she 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."