Bush OKs Law Targeting Zimbabwe’s Land Seizures

WASHINGTON — President Bush signed into law Friday a bill designed to pressure Zimbabwe to stop seizing white-owned farms and turning them over to landless blacks.

Bush signed the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001, which requires the African nation to adopt landownership protections in order to continue receiving U.S. aid.

“My administration shares fully the Congress’ deep concerns about the political and economic hardships visited upon Zimbabwe by that country’s leadership,” Bush said. “I hope the provisions of this important legislation will support the people of Zimbabwe in their struggle to effect peaceful democratic change, achieve economic growth and restore the rule of law.”

The government of President Robert Mugabe did not seem inclined to halt the practice. His government’s plan for farm seizures was upheld by Zimbabwe’s highest court this month.

The bill would require U.S. representatives to international financial institutions to try to block aid or debt relief to the African country. The White House would also have to ascertain that elections planned for March in Zimbabwe meet democratic standards.