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China Ships Arms to Mugabe

Union refusing to unload dangerous cargo destined for tense Zimbabwe

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 18, 2008 4:29 AM CDT
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(Newser) – As tensions rise in Zimbabwe, a Chinese ship has arrived in a South African port with arms bound for Harare. The ship put to sea with AK-47 rifles, mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and millions of rounds of ammunition, apparently to fortify President Robert Mugabe, who's not relinquishing power despite his suspected loss in last month's presidential election.  A South African politician called the shipment tantamount to "putting a fuse in a powder keg."

China has propped up the Mugabe regime for years in the face of international condemnation, the Guardian reports. So far the powerful South African labor union Satawu is refusing to touch the cargo. "Our members will not unload this cargo—neither will any of our members in the truck-driving sector move this cargo by road," said the union's leader.

The An Yue Jiang anchored outside the port of Durban South Africa. It is carrying a cargo of small arms from China bound for the discredited Mugabe regime in Zimbabwe.
The An Yue Jiang anchored outside the port of Durban South Africa. It is carrying a cargo of small arms from China bound for the discredited Mugabe regime in Zimbabwe.   (AP Photo)
The An Yue Jiang anchored outside the port of Durban South Africa. It is carrying a cargo of small arms from China bound for the discredited Mugabe regime in Zimbabwe.
The An Yue Jiang anchored outside the port of Durban South Africa. It is carrying a cargo of small arms from China bound for the discredited Mugabe regime in Zimbabwe.   (AP Photo)
Three weeks have passed since the presidential vote. No results have been released and the opposition, which says Morgan Tsvangirai won, claims Robert Mugabe is illegally clinging to power.
Three weeks have passed since the presidential vote. No results have been released and the opposition, which says Morgan Tsvangirai won, claims Robert Mugabe is illegally clinging to power.   (AP Photo/str)
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Mugabe accuses Morgan Tsvangirai of treason
Times (UK)

Tensions rise over disputed Zimbabwe vote
International Herald Tribune

Zimbabwe party 'was offered deal'
BBC

 
China • United Nations • Zimbabwe • Robert Mugabe • Morgan Tsvangirai • South Africa • Zimbabwe elections • An Yue Jiang • arms exports • Durban • Satawu

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