04mar02

OPPOSITION foreign affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd has condemned the Australian government for not imposing sanctions against Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's regime.

Rudd criticises Howard govt for inaction against Zimbabwe ZIMBABWE RUDD SYDNEY, March 4 AAP - Mr Rudd and Liberal Senator Alan Ferguson will form part of a team of 40 Commonwealth advisers who will report on Zimbabwe's elections at the weekend.

President Mugabe's government has been criticised for cracking down on media freedom and opposition parties during the election campaign.

Speaking at Sydney Airport before his departure, Mr Rudd said it was time the Howard government took tough action against Zimbabwe.

"The time for high sounding phrases is over on Zimbabwe - the time for concrete, real action is now," he told reporters.

"Australia should take the lead and it should have taken the lead a fortnight ago in initiating targeted sanctions against the (Mugabe) regime."