Well done Gordon Brown. Mugabe is a tyrant. He is not prepared to negotiate any matter regarding his abuse of power and any person believing they can influence him are living in a dream world. Mbeki is supposed to have been mediating with Mugabe- and to what effect - a big NIL. Until the world takes a much tougher stance Mugabe will continue to treat his countrymen, african neighboring states and the world with total disrespect and scorn. Unfortunately he has african leaders kissing his feet. Africa is a lost cause. The world should wash their hands of them and leave them to their own resources. Sadly many inocent people will suffer. But then, havn´t they already.

Ian, Prien, Germany.

Well done Gordon. Mugabe should be facing trial at the international crimminal court for genocide and human rights abuses, not be invited to a EU conference. The fact that many African leaders are backing Mugabe demonstrates very clearly one of the main reasons that Africa is in the mess it is in today.

Andrew Brown, derby, UK

Only the Zimbabwean can emancipate themselves from the political and economic struggle they find themselves in. No political pressure or lectures from Europe will change it. l know not of any revolutions brought by outsiders and political pressure. Freedom come with sacrifice and blood when the Zimbabwean feel they have had enough they will set themselves free. Anything else is just an attempt to make yourself feel good about yourself.

PF ZAPU, London,

The final answer to this question will determine my opinion on Brown. I believe, and it seems to be true, that he is a politician of honour not substance and style, and is willing to have opinions, based on thought, judgement and moral considerations. It would sadden me if he reversed his decision as I would see it as the end of the honourable politician. Mugabe needs to be ostracised by Africa and the world (but of course he won’t be). All aid should be removed from Zimbabwe until human decency is returned. The aid, unfortunately, merely props up this tyrant

Kevin Scarry, Dinnington, South Yorkshire

Alton Hadiza is talking nonsense. The Zimbabwe issue is an international one - with 80% unemployment refugees are streaming into South Africa and elsewhere in Africa and indeed to Canada and other countries. Mugabe's Central Intelligence Organisation routinely tortures dissidents and opposition MPs. Having destroyed a very prosperous farming sector to no effect he is now trying to destroy what is left of the economy. Having spent much time in Africa myself sadly dictators like Mugabe beggar their nations and we end up having to bail out the disaster that is left. Well done Gordon Brown

Bruce Finch, Hampshire, UK

What has the government ot Britain as a former Colonial power done to curb the Zimbabwe situations.

Watchip, NY, USA

When will people learn, did not your own systems of governace emage from turmoil and strife? Yes what is happening to Zimbabwe and other African countries is a shame. Our problems as African stem from an imposed political system, democracy was never ours to begin with. However I must say that there are freedoms which come with democracy which are enviable, however it is not a must. You spoke out against China at some point, yet at the moment most of your manufactured products come from ..........
You have worse problems to worry about, a crumbling society, brake downs in family, neglect of your elderly. A small price to pay in your view, for a prospering economy.

Before you try and fix Africa's problems why not try and fix your own. Family is more important, as a Zimbabwean I can still say our family still stand strong and our faith in God for a better Zimbabwe and a better Africa grows.

In Fifty years we will be giving you AID.

BLACK, SAM, Hayes/ London,

No - it's because Zimbabwe doesn't have oil - or any other valuable natural resource in abundance that the West want to get their hands on!

TW, London,

GIl, you nailed it.
Politicians in the US fear the Racist label more than the devil himself.

Rich, Indianapolis, USA/IN

An extra 8 million to a corrupt black racist government??

That money would easily help to keep our local hospitals' A&E department open, but no that would be too PC wouldn't it?

Frank, Home Counties, England

When you read such comments as that of Tindo, London you have to realise what a conundrum the African mind appears to be. Here we have a man who like many others, believes that Mugabe wants economic independence from Britain when the economy he had, in the top two in Africa when Mugabe, the murderer of tens of thousands of Africans, has destroyed in one short generation after he was given it by a stupid Britain. Mugabe and ZANU-PF, the Marxist terrorist party and no one else is directly responsible for Zimbabwe's demise, with the encouragement of most of the African Union and especially Mbeki of South Africa.

Unless the average African stops being so racist and becomes REALIST, sub-Saharan Africa will never arrive in the 18th Century, let alone the 21st. And I lived there for 25 years, unlike many commentators.

B J Deller, Marbella, Spain

what is the point of refusing to attend the summit meeting whilst at the same time proposing more funding for Zimbabwe. Aid to Africa states should be dependant upon their active support from these the overthrow of Mugabe.

jeffrey william harvey, bristol,

Zimbabwe does need a regime change. However at present we are tied in a foreign policy that is dealing with the Middle East and proliferation in the region.
There is Iraq, Afghanistan and possibly Iran where our service personnel may be involved thus our commitments at present are overstretched.
We can however support an African Union presence in Zimbabwe that would oversee fresh elections there that can be audited and monitored by an independent electoral commission appointed by the United Nations.
There are human rights violations that have been committed by the current regime and equally violations in International Law.
Gordon Brown is correct to boycotting the Summit -I would do the same.
I think that it is time to freeze Mr Mugabe's Assets wherever he keeps them. This African leader is not only corrupt but has squandered his nations wealth.
In terms of military intervention, it is not appropriate at present as we are already fully committed in the Middle East.

The Director, LONDON, England

Let Mugabe have fun his remaining days...!. EU. please don't panish his people becouse of him.

Mo, Rochester,

Three cheers for Gordon Brown, Three raspberries for the portuguese whose colonial record was abysmal.

Some in the EU must have very short memories, I remember the Salazar period of Portugals despotic history.

This conference in December will be all the poorer without Gordon Brown who has probably done more for Africa than all of the EU put together.

One only has to visit Johannesburg to witness the many 1000s of Zimbabweans looking for work in the illegal sector, and the large number of Mugabe supporters who are free to fly into South Africa to shop for even the most basic of items, including food that are not available in Zimbabwe.

brian bunting, chorley. lancashire, UK

About time! The international community needs to take action, pressure needs to be applied on South Africa to take a stronger stance.

I also call on Brown to strip Mugabe of his honorary knighthood.

SK, London,

President Mugabe has proved beyond reasonable doubt that he could be a psychopath. Imagine - if you can - not having a conscience, none at all, no feelings of guilt or remorse no matter what you do, no limiting sense of concern for the well being of others. This is the state in which our President Mugabe is in right now. Imagine no struggles with shame, not a single one in your whole life, no matter what kind of selfish, harmful, or immoral action you take.
It ‘s definitely about time that someone of higher status like Prime Minister Brown can step in and stand against this man. President Mbeki has failed, but we kind of expected it and believe that we have wasted a lot of time waiting for Mbeki to do anything about Zimbabwe that would include confronting Mugabe. Mugabe does not realize that he has lost all the respect people used to have for him, but he still wants to embarrass himself by insulting people who do not support his ideas and calling people names like a bully.

Nyarai, Dallas, Texas

“There is a reason for this - the abuse of his own people. There is no freedom in Zimbabwe; no freedom of association; no freedom of the press.

“And there is widespread torture and mass intimidation of the political opposition."

I seem to recall Saddam Hussein doing something rather similar and incurring the wrath of the US and UK resulting in his removal and, ultimately, death. Will Bush and Brown be spearheading regime change in Zimbabwe or isn't there enough money in it for them and their corporate minders?
The wanton hypocrisy of the west never ceases to amaze me.

James Hodgson, Liverpool,

If the balance of the African leaders refuse to attend if Mugabe is not present, let them then pay for the economic disaster they're propping up in Zim! And regarding Gils comment as being seeing as imperialists and racist, that's dead right! Blame the white man! How many years have we been hearing about civil wars, diseases, starvation, when will black leaders show real leadership? And not with a begging bowl attending some EU conference!!
Since independance, its been downhill. Black leaders blame EU trade agreements etc for the failure of business/job creation, not the wholsale pilfering of the state by Cronies Inc!
The west should take a heavy hand in dealing with these 'court jester presidents' and dealing with the immense suffering of the people. These 'el presidentes' can't do it, so yes, bring back real law and order European style! Look at SAfrica's horrendous crime levels? We all fought to free SA from Apartheid, now is the time it really needs help.

lionel, New York,

Gil

You hit it on the head. If anybody attempts to criticise Mugabe or any other African leader, racism will always be cited as the grounds for criticism.

How long before Bob Geldof or Bono (God help us) are telling us we are not doing enough for Zimbabwe!

A Thorn, London,

Mugabe is using Britain and Brown as a scapegoat in just the same way that, in years past, he used white farmers as scapegoats for the companies poor prosperity. He blamed them for skimming off the country's wealth.

The white farmers weren't perfect, but they did keeep food flowing. Their relacements - Mugabe's stooges, given these farms as gifts - are starving the country, unable to maintain them. Mugabe's bile against the West does not change the fact that so many have died, directly and indirectly as a result of his actions.

Sadly, I see little hope for the country while he and his minions are in charge. The huge aid needed would only prop up his regime and prolong the suffering.

Let us hope & pray for his fast demise so that reconstruction can begin. All those that stand against him should receive our praise.

Karl, Derbyshire, UK

Quite simple really.. If some African leaders won't turn up because Mugabe is denied attendance, then good riddance. These people reap what they sow.. which in Zimbabwes case aint a lot. Those so called leaders will change their mind when they want something from us

kirk, Rotherham, UK

I don't think Gordon is that great - the only reason he did it was because he was under pressure from various religious leaders. The government has been happy to let Mugabe destroy his own country for years and it is only now anything has been said. Let's face it the western governments don't care because there is nothing in it for them.

Alison Dare, London,

It worries me deeply that we often claim we are not inferior yet, we mainly rely on western media to decide for us who is good and who is not among us. It is a shame that Black people have no hero or villain made by them, but those appointed by some dubious white messiahs! It is a disaster that some Black individuals who ought to constitute themselves respectable leadership for the Black race are easily lured by the greed for fame in the eyes of the white world. Rather than organise themselves and the Black race towards building civilised Black societies, they salivate for western newspaper and television headlines. I strive to respect whoever claims to be God's anointed in accordance with biblical injunctions, but sometimes, I find it difficult to understand why those that call themselves men of God and ought to be more respectable Black leaders appear equally gullible. Highly placed religious leaders can help save the Black race by organising people rather than seeking news!

John , London, London

I bet Mugabe is really shaking in his boots. What a load of nonsense this is. I understood that there was a ban on Mugabe travelling to the EU. So won't Portuguese immigration just turn him away?

I think this situation illustrates that for all the talk from the west, unless there is a domestic interest to stand up for, we really have no actual desire to get involved in doing anything about Zimbabwe. So saying things gets Brown a headline, but in the end nothing is actually done to ease the plight of the people in Zimbabwe.

Shame Zimbabwe has no oil, otherwise we would have 'liberated' it long before now. Maybe MI6 could dig out an internet thesis to prove Zimbabwes weapons of mass destruction are a threat to the Falklands.

Jon Burgess, Douglas, Isle of Man

Nope Mate,
He does not have oil. Simple as that.

tess, London, UK

The other African leaders are as corrupt as he is - we have never once heard any condemnation of his brutal leadership. This man is a disgrace to Africa - its time Mbeki and the other leaders gave him the cold shoulder and condemn him for the murderous pariah that he is.

Donald Morrison, Lochgilphead, Argyll, Scotland.

Whilst the disappearance of Madeleine McCann is undoubtably very sad, we should be ashamed that the British media and public are more caught up in that story than in the death of an entire country. I hope that Gordon Brown's stance sparks more knowledge and debate about the plight of Zimbabwe, and the outrage this deserves from the general public.

But I also question why African leaders aren't doing more to stop Mugabe, when he is responsible for the deaths of so many African men, women and children? How can they condone his actions?

Anne, London,

Well done Gordon,
This confirms you as prime minister - A man who will stand up for his principles and not 'move the goal posts' to allow the lifting of the EU travel ban.
A ban is a ban.
Having lived in Africa for almost 30 years I remember Zimbabwe as the Bread Basket of the Continent, how one man can be allowed to reduce that country to poverty goes against every aspect of our modern society.

Bryn Proctor, Wakefield, UK

Gil -

"Hurrah for Brown"? Really?

How long exactly did it take for Brown to make up his mind to say something? How long have we known about the Zimbabwean situation? For a man who voted to invade Iraq and Afghanistan, a decision to speak (for once) the truth about another dictatorship shouldn't have been too hard.

While we're about it, what are the South Africans playing at? SA is a country which could at any time have sorted Mugabe out by effective sanctions; Zimbabwe's oil, power and supplies largely come from there. I can't be the only person who would like to hear some explanations.

Michael Bruce, Selby, Yorkshire

Thankfully we finally seem to have a PM who gives a damn about the rest of the world. Brown's stand sends a clear message to other leaders, and to his own people, that we will not accept Mugabe's actions. Hopefully there will be further moves to back up Brown's boycott by the British Government and people.

Cassie Williams, London, UK

Well done Mr. Brown! A politician with principles: is this a first??

steve, valbonne, france

Well, this will be a small test for Brown's resolve not to attend the joint European Union and African Union summit in Lisbon in December. It will be interesting to see how our European neighbours react and respond or whether they will, as usual, back down on major issues affecting Africa and the corruption in many of those nations.

Joshua, Suffolk, England

Good for Mr Brown, and shame on the African Union leaders.

It seems that in the AU book opression and genocide is ok if it is committed by someone of the same skin colour as the victims.

Gerard, London, UK

By refusing to attend the summit unless Mugabe is present , African nations are condoning his behaviour and the destruction of what was once a rich, diverse and beautiful country. Africa makes demands of Europe but refuses to compromise? There's clearly something wrong with this picture and frankly, if African nations want help from Europe then it's time they united against Mugabe's despicable behaviour. Until then, what would be the point in have a summit anyway?

Catherine, London,

According to the most recent surveys and treaties, Lisbon is in Portugal, which means if Mugabe attends the conference he will, by law, be deported before even clearing the VIP lonuge. He is personally banned from travelling to or in any EC country. If our illustrious PM wants to make a real point, he should attend with armed guards and execute the arrest and deportation personally on the grounds that he is executing an instruction of the EU's executive.

KR, Stockport,

A little common sense from the UK PM a great pity the Portuguese authorities cannot also stand firm against this murderous tyrant. Still what can you expect from a country that cannot even handle an investigation into a child's disappearance.

d case, newquay,

Wouldn't it be good if we could take advantage of his presence in Europe to have him arrested for his many breaches of human rights! The fact that he is a serving leader should not make him immune.

We would also be doing Zimbabwe a great service as his greed and sheer incompetence has brought a once proud and proseperous nation to its knees. African leaders must surely appreciate that by standing by this monster they are not displaying African solidarity but appear to be condoning the incompetence and abuses he has inflcited upon his people over the last decade or so.

Kevin Miller, Tonbridge,

i am very disappointed with the actions both parties are taking.This had been going on since 2000 and its the same haedlines about Zimbabwe obviosly nothing is working e.g sanctioning the people of Zimabwe means minimising trade of food and the western media blame Mugabe for it. i blame the the people who make sanctions. if really Mugabe was a Saddam should he still be it power ? its a shame that Zimbawe has no oil but its got Gold though.

Wake up everybody! Mugabe is just a like Bush and Blair.

Hugh, Manchster, UK

Brown is absolutely right to put pressure not only on Mugabe himself but on those African nations who are propping him up. Even the Chinese have now deserted Mugabe. With properly applied pressure this monstrous tyrant can be brought down. After all African nations need us a good deal more than we need them. If they decide not to come to a summit in support of a thug, bully and despot let them say so loud and clear. Our consciences will be clear.

Paul Owen, Birmingham, UK

Mugabe must be kept out! Those African countries that want the millions they recieve in aid, go to the summit. Those that want to make a point and stay away with Mugabe, then so be it stay at home. Europe must not be held to ransom by the Tin pot dictators of Africa.

Jeremy, London,

Must every white person in South Africa show his true colour over Zimbabwe? Go to every article about Mugabe and they are mounting concerted campaign for the global criminalisation of Mugabe. Fool not yourselves the Marc, Tim and the rest of you for the whole world knows that non-racist white men are not many around southern African sub-region. Fool not yourselves all other white supremacists especially those in Britain who are crying openly about the people of Zimbabwe more than they (the Zimbabweans cry for themselves), for we all know it is all about the white farmers sacked by Mugabe. Robert Mugabe remains one of the greatest Black men for taking the bold step towards self determination. God Bless him and the good people of Zimbabwe for refusing to yield to the British propaganda that they cannot feed themselves. Only a thoroughly colonised Black person would agree with racists that the Black people of Zimbabwe cannot feed themselves and must depend on white farmers to survive!

John , London, UK

Gordon not going if Mugabe does, and you think Mugabe is worried by that prospect? New Labour playing school playground politics. On the plus side, the UK taxpayer saves lots of money and Gordon does not rack up Airmiles like Saint Blair used to.

Andzej P, London, UK

I agree - Gordon Brown's sticking his neck out demonstrates a rare courage and humanity within modern politics. I'm sick and tired of individual human rights being sacrificed on the altar of 'cultural sensitivity', both nationally and internationally. Why are we so terrified of calling something 'wrong'? We've become a nation moral jellyfish.

Karen, London, UK

Imagine the reaction if it was Ian Smith and not Mugabe. Africa is a hopless and useless continent and we (in particular Europe and the Unit'ed States) should let the africans runs their own affairs, no matter how primitive and backward that may be.

Subramaniam, Paris,

Why even have a summit? Africa has nothing but problems to offer Europe.

Let africa deal with it's own mess. The african people are obviously undeserving of a developed society, as time and time again they prove themselves incompetent and corrupt. Europe needs to concentrate on stopping the africans arriving in Europe and let that be the limit of any dealings with them.

Dave Smith, London,

Brown wants to bury his head in sand. Boycotting the event simply shows that he is a coward not prepared to face issues face to face. He should gp to ortugal, meet Mugabe, tell him face to face what he has been preaching to all the newspapers behind Mugabe.

Mugabe needs to be faced and whether we like it or not, spoken to as well. If the USA could come to the table with Iran, which is a worse evil. Gordon, go out there talk to Mugabe, and you may save the few lives left in that country.

Madyira, UK,

well done mr.browne stand firm against this monster of a so called human being.....shame on allk those african nations who defend him...wake up to terror, corruption and insane behaviour

john rogan, london, england

Well done Gordon Brown, I am proud of your decision. I can not believe Mugabe received an invite in the first place.

SPO, London, UK

It is about time! It might seem like empty propoganda to some, but this gesture is much appreciated by many people who have been longing for someone to stand up for them, because they are almost too exhausted to do so themselves.
Despots and their cronies get away with it because they are allowed to but these same despots have no problem taking as much aid and money as they can get their mitts on. Personal greed and power - they don't give a hoot for their own people regardless of colour, it is all about # 1. I was wondering where people like David Owen are these days, he and people like him had plenty to say for themselves 30 odd years ago. Haven't heard a peep from him or anyone else now this once beautiful country is being ground to a pulp. Good Zimbabweans might be tired, hungry, hurt and exiled but never doubt their spirit, given the right tools and good governance they give it their all and Zimbabwe will be as a Phoenix. Thank you Mr Brown, much appreciated.

Su, Dallas, Texas, USA

I think that is empty propaganda or Mr. Brown is shooting himself on the foot. What happened to T.O.L.E.R.A.N.C.E. in this world of ours?
Ojoatre Kaaka/Gulu

Ojoatre Kaaka, Gulu, Uganda

20 years ago, there were anti-Apartheid rallies outside South Africa House in London. Black African leaders were also united in their condemnation of this racist policy, where one group (whites) put themselves above others (blacks & coloureds). Now, those same leaders (or their heirs) do nothing whilst a new apartheid goes on, perpetrated by ZANU-PF.
How is it different? Only because it's being done by blacks. So that makes it all right, does it?
The 1980s protesters were promoting equality & democracy, not a new apartheid (or so they thought). At least under Smith, average Rhodesians had food & fuel.
AU leaders must realise that, just as the world was watching the apartheid regimes of old South Africa, now the eyes of the world are watching them.
How is the UK still to blame for Zim's mess after Mugabe's had 20 years in power, and the UK is Zim's 2nd biggest aid donor? I suspect the UK would love to think that it still has the influence which Mugabe credits it with. It doesn't.

Peter, London, UK

In a new phase of cooperation, yesterday Zanu PF and both factions of the MDC voted (in the Zimbabwean parliament) to amend the constition with a view (in part) to facilitate a freer and fairer elections early next year. This positive development is part of the fruits of current negotiations (between Zanu PF and the MDCs) which are being chaired by South African president Thabo Mbeki.

Now, how come this is not news in the Times and other elegant news media of the free world? Talk about spin, hey.

Shumba Muroori, London, UK

Mugabe is a geriatric meglomaniac clinging on to power through massive repression, intimidation and vote rigging. The African leaders and their cronies who cheer him on are similarly corrupt. Show me an African leader outside of Southern Africa who can genuinly be said to have achieved power through democratic means or who does not represent some narrow tribal interest. Brown has no choice other than to avoid these thugs and dictators.

Arnold Ward, Weybridge, Surrey, UK

You need to grow up Mr Brown

Mike, Berlin,

I think Brown is no right. So many other countries will be represented in Lisbon. I admire Brown and was used to believe that he would be good for Africa, but with this ridiculous move I'm losing some respect. Why doesn't Mr Brown act like Nicolas Sarkozy who instead of boycot, demands better governance and more democracy in the face of African leaders?

Mariano Gomes, Luanda, Angola

Gilbert, l guess your family in Zimbabwe is not suffering. The world stood by and watched as the Rwanda genocide happened. African leaders are not going to do anything to help and probably the only way South Africa will act is if we and other European nations boycotted the world cup in 2010. Even then, it may be too late for Zimbabweans. It is a pity Zimbabwe has no oil...

Morgan, Welshppol,

Africa is run mostly by tin-pot dictators who think Mugabe is a great guy. Why would the likes of that, side with Gordon Brown over this?

Paul Francis, Brisbane, Australia

By threatening to boycott the EU/AU summit to avoid meeting Mugabe,Gordon Brown is displaying political immaturity and/or plain ignorance about Arica's perception of the Zimbabwe crisis.He really risks embarassing himself further by continuing to try to internationalise an issue that is plainly a bilateral issue between Zimbabwe and Britain.
One would have thought that Gordon Brown would have learnt a lesson or two from the failure of his predecessor's 'loudspeaker' spin diplomacy that political decisions based on unbalanced undercover press/tv reports are simply unproductive.
Just why Gordon Brown chooses to ignore the feelings of Africans towards Zimbabwe as seen at recent AU and SADC meetings and why he chooses to ignore the determination of the Zimbabwean people to turn around their economy through the passing of ecomonic empowerment legislation in parliament recently;and instead makes major policy decisions influenced by political quacks like Archbishop Sentamu!
God help him

Alton Hadzisa, Wallington, UK

More greece to your elbow Mr Brown.Mugabe needs to be put back in his place.Someone needs to stand up to him.He is heartless.

Emmanuel, Reading, UK

When is he going to be arrested for genocide?

B J Deller, Marbella, Spain

Thank you Mr Brown for your stance.Mugabe has ruined the lives of black people in zimbabwe.People like Tindo are on his propaganda payroll.what is he doing in London if he thinks mugabe is a hero.People are killed for expressing their views.In Zim you have to whisper whenever you talk about Mugabe,you are declared enemy of the state if you criticise mugabeMbeki is a failure.he hero-worships Mugabe.African leaders are scared of him .Just like the west they watched the Rwandans maiming each other.They called the genocide an internal issue.Now they say zimbabweans must solve their own problems.How?when the state machinery is used against us.Do you want to see another genocide before you act? We desperately need your intervention.Act now Gordon

Tim, Johannesburg, South Africa

It's a bit of a cop-out for PM Brown but I understand the sensitive European position. The point is, it's the whole ZANU-PF junta that's a problem - not just Mugabe. So having one of his lieutenants filling a chair still accords them utterly undue respect and recognition. I don't know why this is such a blind spot for the AU though. Their tacit or even vocular acceptance of the actions and maladministration of these communist ideologues in Zimbabwe is itself criminal and therefore an indictment of themselves. Indeed this matter is astonishingly uncomplicated. It's not just human rights - a whole country with all its assets, natural heritage and resources is far greater than the sum of its human parts.

Marc, Bloemfontein, South Africa

This is total disrespect for the African people. African Countries must instead boycott the Lisbon talking-shop if Mugabe is kept out. For the bells that toll for Mugabe will soon toll for other African leaders. This condencending behaviour towards people of colour that has been a phenomenon for years.

Gilbert, Swindon, UK

NO! Prime Mminister!

Do not attend this Conference if there is ANY Zimbawean representation.

That regime must be shunned.

The solution is that mGabe is removed - one way or another very soon!

Tony J, Swanage, UK

People often do not understand the complexity of Zimbabwe`s issues with Britain. Economic Independence thats what Zimbabwe wants from Britain. They got political Independence in 1980 but economic Independence was never given to us. The human rights issues are just a smokescreen being used by the UK, I know for sure that the UK controls all the months in Zimbabwe through their cousins in Australia, Canada and South Africa.

Tindo, London, UK

Not much moral courage in the EU then!

jimd, Norwich, UK

Hurrah for Brown - at last someone has the moral courage to stand up against Mugabe. The man has ruined a perfectly fine country, reduced his black population to starvation, ruined the white population who basically ran the farms that fed the country. Its about time other western and african leaders also spoke out. Why has the west let this man go on for so long - is it because any criticism will be seen as racist and imperialist??

Gil, london, uk