US president George Bush has widened sanctions placed on individuals and organisations in Zimbabwe considered to be barring the way for democratic reform.

In a move that could adversely affect platinum producers, the president has issued an executive order freezing all assets held in the US of 128 people and 33 entities in Zimbabwe as the US looks to put more pressure on Robert Mugabe's regime to embrace democratic changes.

The White House refuses to recognise President Mugabe as the winner of Zimbabwe's recent elections.

The executive order also bars US citizens from having any dealings with those one the list, which is an extension of a previous order signed in 2003 freezing the assets of 77 Zimbabwean nationals, including those of President Mugabe himself.

President Bush's spokeswoman Dana Perino stated: "There is still time for the Government of Zimbabwe to avoid a further expansion of the sanctions list should it begin serious efforts to restore democratic norms and the rule of law."

The move could make it more difficult for groups such as platinum producers to negotiate deals with the Zimbabwean government to mine pgms in the country.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd