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News item | 25-06-2008
Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has been staying at the Dutch Embassy in Harare since 22 June 2008 because of concerns about his safety.
On 22 June Tsvangirai, the head of the Movement for Democratic Change, pulled out of the second round of the Zimbabwean presidential elections.
The second, decisive round between Mr Tsvangirai and President Robert Mugabe was to be held on 27 June. In the first round in March 2008, the opposition leader won the most votes, but did not gain the absolute majority.
In the face of systematic intimidation and violence on the part of the government and the ruling ZANU-PF, a fair election is no longer possible in Tsvangirai's view.
The Netherlands is committed to supporting human rights defenders and protecting the victims of violence and intimidation.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen was therefore quick to grant the opposition leader's request. 'If Tsvangirai is looking for a safe place to stay at the Dutch embassy, he's more than welcome', Verhagen said.
The Netherlands is donating 5 million euros in emergency aid, some of which is channelled through the UN World Food Programme.
Through the Human Rights Fund of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, civil society organisations and human rights defenders are receiving 1.6 million euros in aid.