Saturday 28 April 2001

Don't attack embassies, Mugabe told

By Benedict Brogan and David Blair

BRITAIN warned Zimbabwe last night against turning its campaign of intimidation against embassies.

It said it had a legal duty to protect the lives of foreign diplomats in Harare. The Zimbabwean high commissioner in London was summoned to the Foreign Office for a 15-minute "dressing down" over the worsening situation.

Brian Wilson, the minister for Africa, told Simbarashe Mumbengegwi that attacks on diplomats or property would not be tolerated. The confrontation followed a statement from President Mugabe's government suggesting that it was prepared to allow so-called war veterans led by Changerai "Hitler" Hunzvi to attack embassies.

Mr Wilson said: "There has been clear evidence of intimidation, extortion and in some cases, physical violence. I reminded the High Commissioner that we expect the Government of Zimbabwe to uphold the rule of law and to fulfill its responsibility to ensure the safety of all those targeted by these attacks. We expect Zimbabwe to honour its obligations under the Vienna Convention to protect both staff and property of accredited diplomatic missions in Zimbabwe."

Western missions have stepped up security as violence has spread from white-owned farms to businesses and groups linked to the opposition. The British High Commission, frequently depicted by the authorities as a backer of the opposition, is likely to be first on the hit list.

The premises are in a secure location on the top floors of a tower block, above the Ministry of Justice. Diplomatic sources said they were no plans to reduce the staff at the High Commission in Harare. British military advisers were withdrawn last month.

Potentially more at risk is the British Council, which is located on the central Jason Moyo Avenue, near the headquarters of Mr Mugabe's Zanu-PF party, which is used as a base by the mobs of so-called war veterans who have turned their terror tactics on the capital in recent weeks. All staff have been warned about the danger and are bracing themselves for an invasion.

Mobs loyal to Mr Mugabe have invaded scores of white-owned businesses in Harare, including factories, department stores and a hospital. They have extorted large sums through threats of violence.

Chenjerai Hitler Hunzvi, leader of the War Veterans' Association and the prime mover behind the violent occupation of white-owned farms, told the Financial Gazette, an independent weekly: "We will be visiting them [embassies] soon to express our displeasure and to warn them to stop interfering with our internal matters."

Diplomats saw yesterday's statement from Willard Chiwewe, senior secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as a clear sign that the government had no intention of stopping the mobs. Mr Chiwewe said that diplomats would "continue to receive the full protection of the law as well as assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

He added: "However, those diplomats who, for whatever reason or background, seek to further the interests of one political party against another, or to act as an agent of one political party against another, may not hope to receive assistance."

Mr Mugabe has repeatedly accused the British High Commission of funding and controlling the opposition Movement for Democratic Change. He routinely refers to the MDC leadership as "British puppets". Stan Mudenge, the Foreign Minister, has publicly accused Sweden, Denmark and America of backing the MDC. All European nations, with the possible exception of France, are viewed with deep suspicion.

One Western diplomat said: "The government may not want to get its hands dirty but it's sending a signal to its supporters that certain things are acceptable. This is part of the campaign to create a climate of fear and terror in this country."

Zanu-PF gangs continued their attack on white-owned businesses yesterday. Philips Electronics factory in the suburb of Msasa was overrun and £70,000 was demanded from the manager. Philips head office in Holland advised him to pay the money, as his life was at risk.

At least eight South African businesses have also been targeted, bringing the strongest protest yet from Mr Mugabe's most powerful neighbour. Simon Moyo, Zimbabwe's High Commissioner in Pretoria, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry on Thursday to receive a formal protest from Sipho Pityana, its director general.

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2001