Mugabe thanks Iran for solidarity

An increasingly isolated President Robert Mugabe thanked Iranian President Mohammad Khatami for his country’s friendship and support against Western hostility toward Zimbabwe.

Khatami, on a three-day state visit to Zimbabwe was scheduled to hold talks with Mugabe in Harare today.

Mugabe described Iran as a key partner in his Look East Policy, adopted after the West shunned Zimbabwe for seizing thousands of white-owned farms in 2000 for redistribution to blacks.

Mugabe also sought new alliances in Malaysia and China.

Khatami’s visit this week is an “important gesture of friendship, solidarity and goodwill”, Mugabe said.

Western nations have halted most aid to Zimbabwe in protest at violations of human and democratic rights during five years of political and economic turmoil.

Iran, in contrast, has offered Zimbabwe £25 million in credit for agricultural and telecommunications equipment. These funds also support the sole broadcast station, owned by the government.