Mugabe called on the West to remove a travel ban and arms embargo imposed on him and his close associates [AFP]
Zimbabwe's president, Robert Mugabe, has acknowledged the country's history of political violence, calling his nation to move on from the past.
Zimbabwe's president, Robert Mugabe, has acknowledged the country's history of political violence, calling his nation to move on from the past.
Mugabe made the remarks as he addressed thousands of people during independence day celebrations in Harare on Wednesday.
"We are going to elections and troubles have already started. This is
happening not only parties versus parties but within parties as well,"
he said in his speech at Harare's biggest stadium.
"All our political leaders should encourage their supporters to promote the spirit of peace and tranquillity through social dialogue."The speech to mark Zimbabwe's 32nd anniversary of independence from Britain was the first public appearance by 88-year-old Mugabe since he returned from Singapore last week.
That trip sparked new worries about his health, amid reports that he has advanced prostate cancer.
Mugabe has repeatedly brushed off concerns about his health.
The government said he went to Singapore to arrange post-graduate studies for his daughter Bona, but his near-monthly visits to the city-state have raised suspicions he is receiving medical care there.
Mugabe's health is a crucial factor in Zimbabwe's politics, as he has no clear successor.
"All our political leaders should encourage their supporters to promote the spirit of peace and tranquillity through social dialogue."The speech to mark Zimbabwe's 32nd anniversary of independence from Britain was the first public appearance by 88-year-old Mugabe since he returned from Singapore last week.
That trip sparked new worries about his health, amid reports that he has advanced prostate cancer.
Mugabe has repeatedly brushed off concerns about his health.
The government said he went to Singapore to arrange post-graduate studies for his daughter Bona, but his near-monthly visits to the city-state have raised suspicions he is receiving medical care there.
Mugabe's health is a crucial factor in Zimbabwe's politics, as he has no clear successor.
Comments