Rice: 'Well past time' for Mugabe to leave

[December 05, 2008]  COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says it is "well past time" for Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe to leave office.

Rice says the country experienced "a sham election," followed by a sham sharing of power. Speaking in the Danish capital Friday, she said the current outbreak of cholera in the country should be a sign to the international community that it is time to stand up to Mugabe.

She called on the nations of Africa to take the lead, adding that the current crisis should be evidence to the international community of the need to stand up for what is right.

[Associated Press]

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