Zuma warns Zimbabwe sanctions could impede reform (Roundup)

Mar 4, 2010, 16:20 GMT

London - Britain Thursday ruled out an early easing of international sanctions on Zimbabwe despite a warning from South Africa that the restrictions could undermine efforts to establish a viable unity government in Harare.

Targeted US and European sanctions against the leadership of the disgraced Zimbabwean government of Robert Mugabe moved to the top of the agenda of talks in London between Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Jacob Zuma, the president of South Africa.

If the Zimbabwean issue was not moving forward, opponents of reform could use the sanctions as an 'excuse' not to advance reform, Zuma told a joint news conference with Brown in London.

But Brown rejected the suggestion that targeted travel restrictions against individuals could be lifted before Zimbabwe addressed human rights concerns and 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.'

On Thursday, Zuma and his wife, Tobeka Madiba, visited the site for the London 2012 Olympics in east London. The president, whose country is hosting the 2010 football World Cup, said he could very well 'appreciate the hard work' required to stage a major sporting event.

The couple later visited a supermarket in south-east London in the company of Environment Secretary Hilary Benn where they were shown an an impressive range of wine and fruit imports from South Africa.

At a banquet at Buckingham Palace Wednesday evening, Zuma thanked Britain for its role in bringing the apartheid regime in South Africa to an end.

'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.

'We also appreciate the assistance that the United Kingdom provided during our transition and in the establishment of the new democratic government.'

Queen Elizabeth II, for her part, hailed South Africa's successful journey of 'liberation and democratic renewal.' The country had performed the 'mammoth task' of transforming itself since the release from prison 20 years ago of Nelson Mandela.

'The task was daunting in its scale and ambition but was achieved through a deliberate and courageous effort of reconciliation and peaceful resolution of differences,' said the monarch.

The queen pointed out that she was wearing diamonds she was given by the South African government during a visit to the country on her 21st birthday in 1947.

'They are my best diamonds,' she said.