Mugabe threatens to expel envoys

BBC ^ | Friday, March 16, 2007

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Mr Mugabe has rejected criticism of the violence from Western nations

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has threatened to expel Western diplomats whom he accuses of supporting the political opposition.

The veteran leader said diplomats who wanted to represent their countries had to "behave properly" or they would be thrown out.

His government has faced criticism after opposition activists who tried to stage a rally in Harare were beaten.

But the authorities say opposition protesters caused the violence.

Earlier in the day, the bruised and bandaged opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, left hospital in a wheelchair.

He says he was beaten in police custody after his arrest at the rally. Four of his colleagues remain in hospital.

'Kick them out'

There has been a strong international reaction to the beatings inflicted by the police on members of the opposition last Sunday.

'Zimbabwe is still working'

UK Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett has said she holds Mr Mugabe personally responsible for Mr Tsvangirai's injuries, while the British envoy to the UN has called for the Security Council to be briefed on developments in Zimbabwe.

The US has said it is considering extending its sanctions on Zimbabwean officials.

But Mr Mugabe has rejected the criticism and blamed the opposition for instigating the violence.

He used a meeting with members of his ruling party's youth wing to hit out at diplomats.

"We will kick them out of this country," the French news agency AFP quoted him as saying.

"I have asked the minister of foreign affairs to summon them and read the riot act to them," he said.

"We shall tell the ambassadors that this is not a country which is a piece of Europe."

Earlier, Mr Tsvangirai told the BBC that the government had miscalculated, as it was seen more than ever as a "rogue regime".

Mr Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe for 27 years, but there is increasing discontent over the country's economic crisis.

More than 80% of Zimbabweans are living in poverty, with chronic unemployment and inflation running at more than 1,700% - the highest in the world.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

A new pinglist, so if you're interested.....

	pan-Africa pinglist.* This pinglist covers a broad range of topics relating to Africa: culture, current events, politics, science, history, arts, etc. Warning: This could be a low volume pinglist. Ping if you see a pertinent thread.
*To get on or off this list, freepmail with the subjects Africa on or Africa off . No message is necessary. To get on or get off this pinglist, freepmail here, with the appropriate subject.
There is also a: pan-Asia pinglist. pan-Europe pinglist. pan-Latin America pinglist. John 3:16 (New King James Version): "16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
This pinglist can terminate at any time, without notice.

[Abathar]

It's sounding more and more like Bob needs a permanent dirt nap really soon...

[snarks_when_bored]

Zimbabwe: land of the hungry, home of the knave.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

"[Mugabe and co.] shall tell the ambassadors that this is not a country which is a piece of Europe."

Living in the past, hmmmmm?

Personally suspect that Mugabe had bad experiences with people of European descent while growing up, and that has led to his antipathy for those of European descent.

Oddly though, he has kept the Germanic name, "Robert." Would have guessed that he would have undergone a name change to something more African.

[FormerACLUmember]

Mugabe and Socialism turned Zimbabwe from properous to utter poverty.... with the shortest lifespan of any nation on earth.

Its time for Mugabe and the Marxists to max out their evil lifespans.

[the_devils_advocate_666]

Why are any "Western diplomats" there in the first place.

[padre35]

And what is the test to see if you are European Envoy?

If you have two nickels in your pocket when they ask you to jingle them.....

Ehh, Africa, Mugabe grows fat, and the people grow skinny.

[happygrl]

Irregardless of how he feels about those of European descent, his actions have ended up harming those of his own color.

The people now starving from a North Korea-style famine, are black Africans.

He is such a loathesome piece of cr*p, I'd pay to have him dead.

[fishhound]

I dont think he will make it to 08'.

Or he will be alive and well living in France next to former African dictator nieghbors....