WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Wednesday regarding the ongoing political crisis in Zimbabwe. The African Union has called for restraint, and for respect for constitutional order:

“The military’s actions in Zimbabwe have all of the hallmarks of a coup, and I call upon all stakeholders to refrain from violence as this crisis is resolved. Though the United States has had serious policy differences with the government of Zimbabwe over the years, extra-constitutional means of settling political disputes are unjustifiable. In a democracy, change of leadership comes through transparent, credible elections, not through force. I stand with the people of Zimbabwe in their continuing pursuit of a representative government that respects the rule of law.”