/ 4 May 2000

BRITAIN HALTS ARMS EXPORTS TO ZIM

BRITAIN is to halt the export of weapons and spare parts to Zimbabwe amid pre-election violence and the illegal occupation of white-owned farms. British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook said the move will include all licences for spare parts for equipment previously supplied to Zimbabwe, including Hawk aircraft. The supply of 450 Land Rovers to the Zimbabwean police will also be halted, he said. Britain wants an end to the illegal occupation of white-owned farms by black supporters of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and is pressing Harare to end political violence and intimidation and stage free and fair legislative elections.