Britain is to refuse all new applications from Zimbabwe for export of arms and military equipment as part of its reaction to continuing violence in the country in the run-up to elections. The British Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook, told the House of Commons that such exports would remain on hold until the illegal occupations by squatters of hundreds of white owned farms ended.
Earlier, the Zimbabwean President said that he would not order the war veterans off the lands occupied over the past two months. The veterans are accused of launching a terror campaign against black farm workers and opposition supporters. At least 18 people have died in violence over the last 10 weeks. Mr Mugabe published the election manifesto for his ruling Zanu-PF party today amid claims that government supporters have beaten another opposition activist to death. There are fears that the current climate of violence will make a free and fair election impossible. No date for voting has yet been announced.
