Supporters of the Zimbabwe opposition Movement for Democratic Change marched on the United States embassy in Pretoria on Wednesday to bring the crisis in their country to the attention of visiting US President George Bush.
The group of about 100 people carried posters urging Bush to intervene.
”Bush, like Iraq, save Zimbabwe,” some placards read. Another said: ”Help us liberate Zimbabwe.”
Bush arrived in Pretoria on Tuesday night for a brief official visit to South Africa.
The MDC protesters were hoping to deliver a letter for Bush to embassy officials.
Two lanes of Pretorius Street in front of the embassy were closed to traffic going into the city. Metro police from Pretoria and Johannesburg were lining the street, keeping a close watch.
A strong police contingent stood guard at the entrance to the embassy. The demonstration was the first in a series planned by different groupings at or near the embassy during the day.
By mid-morning, the Anti-War Coalition was expected to protest against the Bush visit because of the war he initiated against Iraq.
Later in the day the Congress of SA Trade Unions, SA Communist Party and the African National Congress are to demonstrate against US foreign policy.
In their letter, the MDC welcomes Bush’s pledge to help Africa against Aids. It also thanks the US for its consistent condemnation of human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. – Sapa