Statement on the run-off presidential election in Zimbabwe

"Democracy has not been served by today's run-off election. The people of Zimbabwe have been deprived of their right to vote freely and thus deprived of their dignity.

Under these circumstances, and with the threat to regional stability posed by the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe, I trust that the relevant African authorities (the Southern African Development Community and the African Union) will draw the necessary conclusions, in the interests not only of Zimbabwe but of the whole of Africa. The outcome of this election cannot be regarded as legitimate."

Statement issued by [PDF] Javier Solana, the European Union High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Brussels, June 27 2008