blair told he is a racist
the evening standard | 04.03.2002 11:55
British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been accused of racism by Zimbabwe's information minister, in the latest row over the country's elections.
Jonathan Moyo's outburst came at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Coolum, near Brisbane, Australia.
President Robert Mugabe is not attending the four-day summit, but his information and publicity minister held an impromptu press conference at which he launched his attack on the British premier.
African nations at the gathering have blocked Britain's attempts to impose sanctions on Zimbabwe and have the country suspended from the Commonwealth.
Mr Moyo said Britain wanted the world to believe that any result of the elections taking place on March 9 and 10 which did not end in an opposition victory must be rigged.
He said Mr Blair was "exhibiting arrogance and is also quite ignorant of what is happening in Zimbabwe".
He went on: "We resent very much that he can be so arrogant and take no responsibility for his own actions.
"It is racism, is it not? It is so obvious they are doing this because they are unhappy with the redistribution of land that is taking place in Zimbabwe.
"They don't want to see social justice in Zimbabwe. They want to deepen inequalities in Zimbabwe."
Mr Blair told Australian media: "The only people who can overthrow his (Mugabe's) government are the people of Zimbabwe and what he should do if he is confident of his support is have a free and fair election. It's not me who's trying to rig the Zimbabwe election."
President Robert Mugabe is not attending the four-day summit, but his information and publicity minister held an impromptu press conference at which he launched his attack on the British premier.
African nations at the gathering have blocked Britain's attempts to impose sanctions on Zimbabwe and have the country suspended from the Commonwealth.
Mr Moyo said Britain wanted the world to believe that any result of the elections taking place on March 9 and 10 which did not end in an opposition victory must be rigged.
He said Mr Blair was "exhibiting arrogance and is also quite ignorant of what is happening in Zimbabwe".
He went on: "We resent very much that he can be so arrogant and take no responsibility for his own actions.
"It is racism, is it not? It is so obvious they are doing this because they are unhappy with the redistribution of land that is taking place in Zimbabwe.
"They don't want to see social justice in Zimbabwe. They want to deepen inequalities in Zimbabwe."
Mr Blair told Australian media: "The only people who can overthrow his (Mugabe's) government are the people of Zimbabwe and what he should do if he is confident of his support is have a free and fair election. It's not me who's trying to rig the Zimbabwe election."
the evening standard
Comments
Hide the following 3 comments
He's A Gangster
04.03.2002 16:17
Whatever the questionable motives of much of the press (i.e the 'plight of the white farmers') and the Brtish government we should not support Mugabe in any circunstances.
The man has systematicly betrayed and robbed the ordinary people of Zimbabwe over the past twenty years, often killing off any significent opponents.
The wealth of the country has been used to enrich himself and build up the Army - who will repay the favour by enforcng Mugabes rule should he loose the election.
A scum bag through and through.
KT
why cant britain keep its nose out
04.03.2002 17:21
hasnt britain/europeans caused enough shit in africa.
i dont agree with tyrants ,the only people to sort out zimbabwae..are the people of that area.
sanctions "dont" over throw tyrants...
they only kill the poorest sections ...
check the number of deaths in iraq after 12 years of sanctions.
im glad the african nations told blair to bolt !!
shugmcc
At issue
05.03.2002 01:20
One pointing out that the British government will not accept the result of the election if it goes against the British endorsed candidate the other describes Mugabe as a gangster.
I know too little of the guy to comment on the gangster one, however on the issue of the election surely if an election is to mean something then it must be one that recognises the decision of the voters. While recent newspaper reports suggest if Mugabe loses there could be a Coup the Blair decision not to recognise the outcome is no better.
Obviously there are serious issues to do with electoral fraud, intimidation etc, but these are issues faced in all countries that hold elections although to differing degrees.
However for the election to be meaningful either we are to accept the outcome which ever way it turns out or to declare the process as flawed regardless of outcome.
If we are to say the election is a sham then if the MDC win then surely they win a sham election and deserve no recognition from Blair. These issues time and again come up internationally, the travesty of a US presidential election springs to mind. George Bush being appointed by a court. In Colombia I believe the FARC are calling for a boycott of the election- these people know a sham election when they see one.
If the MDC win then some may argue it proves the election was fair- maybe. But then that leaves the issue of Blairite intimidation affecting the outcome.
Herman
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