Committee News
February 8, 2010
Due to inclement weather the February 10 hearing on cyberspace policy has been postponed. When it is rescheduled we will announce a new date and time.February 7, 2010
Tehran’s Uranium Enrichment Announcement Underscores Need for U.N. Action on Strong Sanctions, Berman SaysFebruary 5, 2010
Chairman Berman Announces Intention to Mark Up Armenian Genocide Resolution on March 4February 3, 2010
Ugandan Anti-Gay Legislation Threatens Human Rights, Reverses Gains in HIV/AIDS Fight, Berman SaysJanuary 26, 2010
Venezuelan Government’s Media Censorship Damages Venezuela’s Standing and Hurts Its People, Berman SaysJanuary 24, 2010
Remarks to Americans for Peace Now
Committee News
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Berman Applauds African Countries’ Actions to Block Chinese Weapons Delivery to Zimbabwe
Washington, DC – Congressman Howard L. Berman (D-CA), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today praised leaders in Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa and Tanzania for blocking attempts by a Chinese vessel to deliver a massive shipment of ammunition, mortars, and other lethal armaments to the embattled Zimbabwean government.
“With this action, African leaders have taken a principled stand to safeguard the Zimbabwean people and to reinforce their rights,” Berman said. “If these weapons had reached their destination, they could well have delivered the deaths of many civilians caught in a brutal government campaign to suppress opposition.”
President Robert Mugabe’s government remains in power after a March 29 national election for which the official results have not yet been released, pending a recount. The opposition says its leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, won the election; international elections monitors have accused the ruling ZANU-PF party of tampering with the recount. Meanwhile, militias supporting Mugabe reportedly have established bases throughout Zimbabwe in regions where support for the opposition is rising; the militias are said to be brutally attacking villagers and destroying their homes.
The arms cargo from China reportedly includes 3 million rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 1,500 rocket-propelled grenades and more than 3,000 mortar rounds and mortar tubes.
Lynne Weil at (202) 225-5021