[News24] Zim-bob-we's government on Monday rebuffed calls for international observers to be allowed to monitor crunch upcoming elections."Zim-bob-we will not allow countries that imposed sanctions on Zim-bob-we to participate as observers," at the election - slated for July - Foreign Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi was quoted by local radio as saying.
His comment would rule out the participation of European, US or other western observers in monitoring the crucial poll, amid ominous signs of political violence ahead of the vote.
Mumbengegwi instead called for sanctions to be removed "unconditionally and in their totality," according to Spot FM.
The European Union
...the successor to the Holy Roman Empire, only without the Hapsburgs and the nifty uniforms and the dancing...
last month eased sanctions against Zim-bob-we, but the United States has said it will only end restrictions after more reforms.
Mumbengegwi's comments represent a snap reaction to Swedish international development minister, Gunilla Carlsson, who during a visit to Harare on Monday called for monitors to be admitted.
"We think it is a very good idea to have international observers," she said after meeting Mumbengegwi and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.
"It's helpful for outcome of the elections to know that there has been international group standards."