Zimbabwe's Mugabe warns Britain

Mugabe: Zimbabwe is not for sale to traitors

HARARE, Zimbabwe -- Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has sent a strong message to Britain saying it could not stop his plan to redistribute white-owned farmland to blacks.

Mugabe challenged British Prime Minister Tony Blair's Labour government to "do their worst" to stop Harare confiscating white-owned farms, saying London wanted to deny Zimbabwe its independence.

Last week Britain summoned Zimbabwe's ambassador to London to protest against attacks on private businesses and international aid groups and threats against embassies in Harare.

"We have learnt that (Britain is) destined to condemn us right or wrong but let them please leave us alone. We are Zimbabweans, we are not Britons," Mugabe said.

COUNTRY PROFILE At a glance: Zimbabwe Provided by CountryWatch.com     MESSAGE BOARD Share your thoughts on Zimbabwe's future

Gangs led by veterans of the 1970s war of independence war against have occupied hundreds of white farms since February last year.

Mugabe says he will not allow 4,500 white commercial farmers, many of them of British descent, to own 70 percent of the country's most fertile land while thousands of blacks are crowded in barren districts.

His critics and the international community - which has cut aid to Zimbabwe over land and other policies -- say land reform must be distributed in a just and transparent manner that includes paying adequate compensation.

But Mugabe said compensation could not prevent government's plan to confiscate five million hectares of the 12 million hectares held by Zimbabwe's white farmers.

"Let those therefore who think that the British penny is worthier than our sovereignty think again -- the country is not for sale to traitors," Mugabe said.

Britain is Zimbabwe's second largest trading partner after South Africa with $100 million worth of goods being exported to the UK in 2000, according to the British embassy in Harare.

Government opponent says he foiled second assassination attempt
April 23, 2001
Zimbabwe farmers urge land talks
March 22, 2001
Zimbabwe rejects Commonwealth move
March 21, 2001
Farmers split in Zimbabwe land row
March 20, 2001

Commercial Farmers' Union
Zimbabwe Government

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.