British Foreign Secretary Condemns Zimbabwe's Land Seizure Plans

British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook has expressed strong criticism of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's plans to seize white-owned farms without compensation, calling it a step backwards for land reform. Cook's statement comes after Zimbabwe announced plans to enforce a new law allowing for the redistribution of land among black Zimbabweans, with a 10-day deadline for the implementation of the measure. The move has sparked violence, resulting in at least 14 deaths, including two white Zimbabweans.

Cook stressed that Britain would be willing to fund a fair land reform program within the rule of law, but warned that they would not support land seizures without compensation. He also offered a $58 million subsidy to fund land reforms if the Zimbabwean government could bring an end to the attacks on white farmers and order black gangs off white-owned farms.

The situation has dealt a severe blow to Zimbabwe's tobacco trade, with industry sources reporting that less than 30 percent of the normal amount of tobacco has been delivered to auction. Many tobacco farmers have fled their land, and stores have been burned by marauding supporters of President Mugabe.

Key Takeaways:

• Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's plans to seize white-owned farms without compensation have been condemned by British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook.
• Cook stressed that Britain would only support fair land reform within the rule of law, and would not fund land seizures without compensation.
• Zimbabwe has announced plans to enforce a new law allowing for the redistribution of land among black Zimbabweans, with a 10-day deadline for implementation.
• At least 14 people, including two white Zimbabweans, have been killed in violence over land in the African country.
• Britain has offered a $58 million subsidy to fund land reforms if the Zimbabwean government can bring an end to the attacks on white farmers and order black gangs off white-owned farms.
• Zimbabwe's tobacco trade has been badly affected by the violence, with industry sources reporting less than 30 percent of the normal amount of tobacco delivered to auction.
• Many tobacco farmers have fled their land, and stores have been burned by marauding supporters of President Mugabe.

Statistics:

• 14 deaths, including 2 white Zimbabweans, have been reported in violence over land in Zimbabwe.
• 1,100 white-owned farms are occupied by gangs led by veterans of Zimbabwe's war of independence from Britain.
• Less than 30 percent of the normal amount of tobacco was delivered to auction.
• $58 million - the subsidy offered by Britain to fund land reforms if the Zimbabwean government can meet certain conditions.
• 10 days - the deadline set by the Zimbabwean government to implement the new law allowing for the redistribution of land among black Zimbabweans.

Sources:

• (c) 2000 UPI All rights reserved. Copyright 2000 by United Press International. News Provided by COMTEX (http://www.comtexnews.com)