Britain warned against demonising Mugabe

Zimbabwean Vice President Joseph Msika had warned the British government against demonising President Robert Mugabe, saying that this would not help to mend already strained bilateral relations, the state-controlled ‘Herald’ newspaper reported on Tuesday.

According to the report, Msika on Monday told new British High Commissioner to Zimbabwe, Brian Donnelly, that if the British government was really interested in mending relations with Zimbabwe, it had to desist from ridiculing Mugabe. “As a starting point, I think it will be paramount for you to stop demonising President Mugabe as this will not help in mending relations,” said Msika. Donnelly, who had paid a courtesy call on Msika, later told reporters that it was not the intention of the British government to cause disorder in Zimbabwe, the report said.

Donnelly said that wherever possible, Britain would always strive to maintain and accord the necessary respect both to the Zimbabwean government and people, including President Mugabe. “Britain’s objective is to see a stable and peaceful Zimbabwe. We are not trying to destabilise the country in any way, but to help the country in a peaceful transition,” Donnelly was quoted as saying.

The British diplomat said in principle his country was not opposed to land redistribution, adding Britain would always support a transparent and equitable land redistribution process in Zimbabwe. However, he stressed: “There are issues, such as respect for the rule of law, which Zimbabwe has to adhere to before Britain can assist in the land reform programme.”