- Title: ITALY: Head of British delegation says Mugabe used 'empty words' at FAO summit
- Date: 4th June 2008
- Summary: (BN14) ROME, ITALY (JUNE 3, 2008) (REUTERS) POLICE AT FAO SUMMIT SIGN ADVERTISING FAO SUMMIT DOUGLAS ALEXANDER, HEAD OF BRITISH DELEGATION TALKING TO COLLEAGUE (SOUNDBITE) (English) DOUGLAS ALEXANDER, HEAD OF BRITISH DELEGATION SAYING: "Mr Mugabe's empty words here in Rome will do nothing fo the empty stomachs of millions of his citizens who have been left impoverished and hungry by his misrule. Just as in Zimbabwe fewere and fewer people are convinced by the excuses Mr Mugabe offers for his misrule and impoverishment of a country that was once the bread basket of Africa." (SOUNDBITE) (English) DOUGLAS ALEXANDER, HEAD OF BRITISH DELEGATION SAYING: "My focus here today as you can appreciate is the 850 million people who are hungry the position of the British government in relation to the elections in Zimbabwe is clear and long standing - we want the will of Zimbabwean people to be given expression in their democratic choice." BANNER READING 'RIGHT TO FOOD FORUM'
- Embargoed: 19th June 2008 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Italy
- Country: Italy
- Topics: International Relations
- Reuters ID: LVA9HUZGRIT8PURYIS8FVB0Z5IWJ
- Story Text: The head of the British delegation at the United Nations FAO summit says Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe used 'empty' words in his speech to delegates that will not help fill the 'empty' bellies of his people back home.
The head of the British delegation attending the FAO food summit called the words of Zimbabwe's President at the conference 'empty' on Tuesday (June 3) which will not help feed his hungry people.
Speaking after Robert Mugabe addressed the summit, Douglas Alexander who leads the British contingent, said Zimbabwe's president failed to address the main issues.
"Mr Mugabe's empty words here in Rome will do nothing fo the empty stomachs of millions of his citizens who have been left impoverished and hungry by his misrule."
The head of the British delegation added: "Just as in Zimbabwe fewer and fewer people are convinced by the excuses Mr. Mugabe offers for his misrule and impoverishment of a country that was once the bread basket of Africa."
Asked if he the British government was hoping Mr Mugabe would step down after recent elections in Zimbabwe, Alexander said the Zimbabweans had the right to choose their leaders through the ballot box.
"My focus here today as you can appreciate is the 850 million people who are hungry the position of the British government in relation to the elections in Zimbabwe is clear and long standing - we want the will of Zimbabwean people to be given expression in their democratic choice." - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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