DURBAN RETRO

US 'amazed' at Mugabe Rome visit (The Australian, October 15th, 2005)

The United States has expressed "amazement" at a UN invitation to Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe to address a hunger conference in Rome on Monday to mark the 60th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

"I find it amazing they've invited Mr Mugabe to speak at the 60th anniversary, who in a way has done so much to hurt the hungry, and who has absolutely turned his back on the poor," said Tony Hall, US ambassador to the UN food agencies in Rome.

"I find it amazing. What can he possibly say to us at the conference, when he has done so much to hurt his own people. Food has been used as a weapon against his own people," Mr Hall said overnight.

President Mugabe confirmed his attendance with the organisers yesterday, a FAO spokeswoman said. He is expected to travel to Rome on Sunday.

The only amazing thing about this is that he is amazed.