Mugabe defends land grab, blasts sanctions

Mugabe defends land grab, blasts sanctions

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ZIMBABWEAN President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday defended his policy of seizing land from white farmers in a speech at a U.N. summit on the global food crisis, saying he is undoing a legacy left by Zimbabwe's former colonial "masters."

Mugabe's presence at the summit sparked protests from some world leaders because he has presided over the collapse of a onetime African bread basket into a nation where millions go hungry.

The African leader also blamed international sanctions for many of Zimbabwe's woes and said his own policies have been "warmly welcomed" by his people.

"Over the past decade, Zimbabwe has democratized the land ownership patterns in the country, with over 300,000 previously landless families now proud landowners," Mugabe said.

"Previously,this land was owned by a mere 4,000 farmers, mainly of British stock," the longtime African leader said.

He contended the land reform was "warmly welcomed by the vast majority of our people."

"It has, however, and regrettably so, elicited wrath from our former colonial masters," Mugabe said.

"In retaliation ... the United Kingdom has mobilised her friends and allies in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand to impose illegal economic sanctions against Zimbabwe," he said.

The sanctions aim to "cripple Zimbabwe's economy and thereby effect illegal regime change in our country," Mugabe said.

His government is accused of cracking down on political opposition ahead of a presidential runoff next month. - AP
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