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Britain Boycotts African Summit

Brown takes stand against torture, intimidation in Mugabe's Zimbabwe

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 20, 2007 4:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – Britain will boycott a summit bringing together leaders of the European Union and African states because of the expected presence of Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe. Prime Minister Gordon Brown told the Independent he wants to send a powerful message of concern to the leader responsible for widespread torture and the economic collapse of the once prosperous African nation.

Brown also cited Mugabe's intimidation of political opponents. The prime minister "is greatly concerned about the situation in Zimbabwe," said a spokesman. "This is a very serious situation." The Save the Children organization recently issued a report saying that children as young as 7 were fleeing Zimbabwe on foot in the hope of finding work and education in South Africa.

President Robert Mugabe greets party supporters at the Zanu PF headquarters in Harare, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007. Thousands of war veterans marched in the streets of Harare in an effort to show solidarity... (Associated Press)

Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown says he will boycott a summit of European and African nations to protest the presence of Robert Mugabe, president of Zimbabwe, whose policies have brought the once... (Associated Press)

President Robert Mugabe is seen at the Zanu PF headquarters in Harare, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007. Thousands of war veterans marched in the streets of Harare in an effort to show solidarity with President... (Associated Press)

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Britain Boycotts African Summit

Brown takes stand against torture, intimidation in Mugabe's Zimbabwe

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Britain Boycotts African Summit

Brown takes stand against torture, intimidation in Mugabe's Zimbabwe

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

British Boycott

Zimbabwe • Robert Mugabe • European Union • Gordon Brown • Desmond Tutu • Lisbon • African Union • Britain • boycott • summit

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Defiant African Leaders Reject EU Trade Deal

Relations between continents sour over human rights, Mugabe

Portugal May Break Ban, Invite Mugabe

New head of EU wants Africans at upcoming summit

South African Prez to Plead With Mugabe to Save Race

Results of uncontested race should be ignored, Britain insists

Mugabe: Brit Bribes Swayed Election

'We are being bought like livestock,' Zimbabwean leader says

Mugabe Didn't Win: Brown

British PM says 'stolen election would not be an election at all' in Zimbabwe

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?