Brown rejects Zuma plea to end Zimbabwe sanctions (1st Lead)

Mar 4, 2010, 12:40 GMT

London - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Thursday ruled out an early easing of international sanctions imposed against Zimbabwe despite South Africa's plea that such a move would help the country move forward.

Speaking after talks with South African President Jacob Zuma in London, Brown said sanctions should not be lifted until concerns over human rights had been addressed and Zimbabwe showed a commitment to fair elections and a free press.

Zuma said he had assured Brown that 'very positive progress' was being made in Zimbabwe and told him that the international community needed to have a 'better understanding' of the situation in the country, which neighbours South Africa.

Brown said Britain was always ready to support progress, but needed to be 'absolutely sure' it was being achieved. 'We must be moving from what is a unity, transitional government to free and fair elections,' said Brown.

The two leaders also discussed trade links, the global economy, climate change and nuclear proliferation, they told journalists in Downing Street.

Zuma, who had in an earlier interview accused Britain of a 'superior' attitude towards Africans, attempted to play down the impact of his remarks at the joint news conference, suggesting that he had been taken out of context.

'It was in the context of how people judge other people's cultures and who gives authority to others to judge others, in general terms,' said Zuma.

'It was in that context that we made a point. We are not necessarily trying to condemn the British or whatever,' he said.

Zuma said he had been 'very happy' on his three-day state visit so far and his delegation had been 'warmly received.'

Brown and Zuma already met Wednesday at the official welcoming ceremony for Zuma and one of his three current wives, Tobeka Madiba.

Zuma, who is accompanied by a 216-strong business delegation, told a banquet at Buckingham Palace Wednesday that South Africa still had 'a long way to go' to achieve prosperity for all, while praising Britain's help in building the 'new South Africa.'

'We cannot forget the extraordinary role they (the British) played at the forefront of a global movement for a free South Africa, as the global anti-apartheid movement has its roots in this country,' he said.