Mugabe ‘Willing’ to Mend Relations with West

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe says he is willing to mend relations with Western countries provided they remove sanctions against him and his associates over human rights abuses.

Delivering a televised speech at the official opening of Zimbabwe’s parliament, Mugabe said he was ready for fresh, friendly and cooperation with western nations that have been hostile in the past, but added that this would only be possible if they agreed to lift the sanctions.

Mugabe also said the parliament would deliberate on legal reforms needed to attract foreign investments into the country’s ravaged economy.

An August visit to Zimbabwe by a top European Union delegation gleamed hope of renewed foreign links to the country, especially after Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s earlier European tour to campaign for the resumption of aid. [ER]