James Rubin, the State Department's spokesman, made that point in a written statement issued to the press April 19 in Washington. The United States deplores Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's characterization of white farmers as enemies of the people of Zimbabwe. Such statements can only contribute to violence and the further erosion of the rule of law in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean citizens have a constitutional right to associate with the party of their choice.
Democracy can only develop in a climate of political tolerance.
The United States condemns the violent attacks against farmers and against those participating in legal and peaceful political demonstrations. The Zimbabwean Government's actions and statements have encouraged illegal farm occupations and an escalation of political violence. These tactics have increased divisions in Zimbabwean society. The government's failure to provide equal protection to all of its citizens and its refusal to implement court orders have grave implications for the rule of law in Zimbabwe. We call on the Government of Zimbabwe to restore the rule of law and fulfill its responsibility to protect the political and human rights of all Zimbabwean citizens.