ZIMBABWE: HARARE: ONE DAY STRIKE TURNS VIOLENT скачать в хорошем качестве

ZIMBABWE: HARARE: ONE DAY STRIKE TURNS VIOLENT

(2 Mar 1998) English/Nat Veterans of the independence war in Zimbabwe are threatening to attack whites, blaming them for inciting a strike which the government plans to quell with troops and police. The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), has called the strike for Tuesday and Wednesday over the economic policies of President Robert Mugabe's government. A one-day strike in Zimbabwe's capital Harare last December turned violent when the government sent police to crush it. And the government has threatended a similiar hardline response to a strike planned for Tuesday and Wednesday. The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, has called the action in protest at the handling of the economy by the Mugabe government. Prices of most essential commodities have increased by more than 25 percent since November, when the Zimbabwe dollar plunged in value against the U-S currency. And inflation and unemployment, both above 20 percent, are still rising. Former Prime Minister, Ian Smith, who led the country when it was white- ruled Rhodesia, says Mugabe's government has to go. SOUNDBITE: (English) "People are upset. There's only one thing they would like and that's to get rid of this government, so if anybody's got any thoughts about that we would welcome them, but that's what we've got to work for." SUPER CAPTION: Ian Smith, Former Prime Minister of Zimbabwe The Mugabe government has declared this week's strike illegal - and warned that the army will help police keep the peace. SOUNDBITE: (English) "The reason why we have asked the workers to stay at home is precisely to avoid that kind of violence. And we must emphasise that workers of Zimbabwe don't be caught on the wrong foot of violence on the streets." SUPER CAPTION: Morgan Tsangirai, Secretary General, Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions But the government and those involved in the war of independence accused the nation's 80-thousand white residents of backing the strike to damage the government. The War Veterans' Association said its members would march to the homes of whites in Harare's wealthy northern suburbs. But those supporting the strike denied receiving financial support from whites in organising protest actions. SOUNDBITE: (English) "I think everybody would agree with me if I say we are sick and tired of this government." SUPER CAPTION: Protester Mugabe - Zimbabwe's sole leader since independence - is facing a period of unprecedented opposition. It has been brought about by economic hardships - but made worse by widespread allegations of government corruption. The government's opponents have leapt at the opportunity to criticise Mugabe. SOUNDBITE: (English) "I say to the people of Zimbabwe, we've still got a wonderful country, so we must stand our ground. We mustn't give in. You never give in to gangsters. That's a clear straight message." SUPER CAPTION: Ian Smith, Former Prime Minister of Rhodesia It was a bush war that ended white rule in Rhodesia - as Zimbabwe was known before independence. Now, those racial divisions once again threaten to provoke violence. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...