Germany Foreign Minister calls for investigation into Zim election results

BERLIN, Germany - A Federal Foreign Office spokesperson issued the following statement on the conduct and outcome of the presidential elections in Zimbabwe:

Foreign Minister Westerwelle is very critical of the lack of transparency and alleged irregularities in Zimbabwe's presidential elections. This will cast a long shadow over Zimbabwe's political and economic future.

Germany joins UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in his call for a comprehensive investigation into all alleged manipulations.

Background:

Robert Mugabe was declared the winner of the presidential elections in Zimbabwe. His defeated contender Morgan Tsvangirai stated that he wanted to challenge the results. The elections were overshadowed by serious allegations of manipulation. The EU and the United States levelled heavy criticism, while the United Nations called for an investigation into the allegations.