(THIS ARTICLE IS MACHINE TRANSLATED by Google from Norwegian)
NORWAY, ZIMBABWE AND UNITED KINGDOM:
On Sunday, Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg gave an apparent Robert Mugabe-critical speech at the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) summit, held in Mauritius. Zimbabwe Foreign Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi expressed dissatisfaction, which was duly covered by Norwegian media. But what came to light in Norway was that Stoltenberg received applause, while Mumbengegwi was denied a reply, and that EU emergency relief leader Louis Michel came with similar criticism, while SADC has already concluded in Stoltenberg fashion.
The consequence:
Small. Stoltenberg's speech is little mentioned outside Norway. The opposition in Zimbabwe has received increased moral support, but what is needed is first and foremost assistance from neighboring countries. The SADC countries already adopted at their extraordinary Zimbabwe meeting 13. April that the election result of 29. March was to be published "in accordance with the rules of the law". And on Tuesday the ANC's Jacob Zuma went out strongly against Mugabe and demanded more action than Stoltenberg suggested.
The dilemma:
European support for Zimbabwe's opposition could be a double-edged sword – much as if Norwegian Greenpeace receives support from Swedes against whaling. The former occupying power Britain is constantly criticizing Mugabe, but the credibility of believers is not up to the task. Mugabe has a point in that he and other rebel leaders introduced democracy in Africa after the colonists. Too bad Mugabe has become the new Ian Smith.
