U.S. Diplomats Attacked in Zimbabwe

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PlusU.S. Diplomats Attacked in ZimbabweU.S. Diplomats Attacked in ZimbabweThe Associated PressThe U.S. Embassy says a throng of so-called war veterans, a group of fiercely loyal and often violent supporters of President Robert Mugabe, attacked a convoy carrying American and British diplomats Thursday. (June 5)The U-S Embassy in Zimbabwe says a group of so-called war veterans has attacked a convoy of vehicles carrying American and British diplomats.The assault was followed by a standoff of several hours before the diplomats were able to drive on.SOT Sean McCormack, State DepartmentIt is outrageous. It is unacceptable. And while this immediate incident has been resolved, it will not be forgotten."Zimbabwe is in the middle political upheaval as the country heads toward a presidential runoff election.As that nears opposition leaders say they have been subjected to increasing violence and are accusing the government of intimidation.Officials in Zimbabwe say in this case the diplomats were simply stopped by police and asked to get out of their vehicles.SOT Bright Matonga, Zimbabwean Deputy Information MinisterThey weren't beaten up. We don't beat up diplomats.However he says the diplomats were attending an opposition rally and wants to know why they were there to begin with.SOT Bright Matonga, Zimbabwean Deputy Information MinisterWhat I can say to you is that they went to a address a rally, what is a diplomat doing addressing a rally? What are they doing there. They went to provoke. U-S Embassy officials say one of their Zimbabwean employees was beaten in the attack and British officials say none of their diplomats were injured.They also say the attackers slashed the tires of some of their cars. ___ ___, The Associated Press.

Keywords: attacked, diplomats, u.s., zimbabwe