Chirac takes flak for Mugabe welcome

POLITICIANS and human rights campaigners yesterday launched a fresh attack on French President Jacques Chirac as he greeted his Zimbabwean counterpart Robert Mugabe at a summit in Paris.

Mr Mugabe, who is accused of widespread human rights abuses against his own people, was welcomed to the three-day meeting of African leaders with a handshake from President Chirac.

The summit promises to strengthen French links with African nations, and delegates are expected today to endorse Paris's stance on the Iraq crisis, calling for weapons inspectors to be given more time.