R2OK!

Fog on the Tyne · Joined: 09 Dec 2006 Posts: 1095

Congrats to Aussie Prime Minister John Howard for ordering the Australian cricket team to pull out of their tour of Zimbabwe.
Shame Mr Blair couldn't have been as decisive a couple of years ago over the England tour.
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The wheel keeps on turning...
This fool made it round.

PJ in Kent · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 1102 Location: Go on, guess!

I agree. But why is it always left to sport to apply immediate pressure in cases like this?

Politicians seem to always use sport as a bargaining chip, instead of saying "Oi Mugabe.... NO! Your evil regime will not be tolerated by the free countries and peoples of the world and we're going to sort you out if you don't behave in a proper fashion!"

If you get my drift Evil or Very Mad

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He's not the Messiah- he's a very naughty boy!

gfloyd · Posted: Sun May 13, 2007 8:16 pm Post subject:

Well the UN is as effective as ever!

Zimbabwe has been elected to head the UN's commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) despite strong objections from Western diplomats

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6645715.stm

Honestly they are a waste of space. I'm begining to sound like George Bush! Twisted Evil

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His name was ernie ........ and he drove the fastest milk cart in the west.....

PJ in Kent · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 1102 Location: Go on, guess!

iknewdavidjacobsmum · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 336

Not much coverage in the Zimbabwe news that I could see. However got this from the Zim Sunday Times:

http://www.thezimbabwetimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=883&Itemid=44

Behind Geddon's Wall · Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 3:14 pm Post subject:

PJ, Sport has ALWAYS been Effective. Those countries who see there international image through sport (South Africa, USSR, and , yes, Zimbabwe) have always been hard hit by sporting boycotts. Even the rebel tours have highlighted difficult conditions. The totalitarian regime of Mugabe has refused to let the BBC inside its borders. These countries need the oxygen of sport, if this is denied them, then the collapse of the regime may be brought forward.
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Geddon

You simply mustn't blame yourself -- the days were perfect
And so were exactly what I was born to spoil
For I am the Rider to the World's End
Bound across the cinder causeway
From the furnace to the quarry
Through the fields of oil

PJ in Kent · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 1102 Location: Go on, guess!

Geddon,

I agree it's effective, but the point I'm trying to make is why does SPORT have to be put in the firing line first? Surely it's not because the politicians don't want to rock the boat by actually making a stand for democracy?
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He's not the Messiah- he's a very naughty boy!

Fog on the Tyne · Joined: 09 Dec 2006 Posts: 1095

I don't know whether Australia has many/any trade links with Zimbabwe to try and make a difference but I think that Mr Howard made his feelings about Mugabe's regime pretty clear when he compared them to the Gestapo!
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The wheel keeps on turning...
This fool made it round.