THE United States Senate has passed a bill directing President George W Bush’s administration to support the people of Zimbabwe in their struggle to bring about democratic change and restore rule of law in the country. The “Zimbabwe Democracy and Recovery Act” would double funding for democracy programs in the southern African nation and urges US support of observers to the upcoming parliamentary and 2002 presidential elections. The bill, which passed late Wednesday, also asks the president to consult with other nations on ways to implement visa restrictions and other targeted sanctions against those responsible for political violence in Zimbabwe. Once the president and Congress certify that democracy and the rule of law have been restored, the bill would support programs to strengthen democracy and promote economic recovery, according to a statement released Thursday by the bill’s sponsor, Tennessee Republican Bill Frist. “President (Robert) Mugabe’s totalitarian regime has been a disservice to the people of Zimbabwe,” the senator said. “His continued support for the invasions of farms and businesses are nothing but a cover for his assault on democracy and the rule of law and his mismanagement of the economy.” – AFP