Zimbabwean Civic And Political Activists Pursue Diplomatic Initiative

Opposition and civic leaders under the banner of the Save Zimbabwe Campaign met European Union officials in Brussels Wednesday, continuing a diplomatic initiative aimed at persuading world leaders to boost pressure on Harare for reform.

The state-controlled Herald newspaper accused the delegation Wednesday of waging a crusade against the country and deliberately tarnishing its image.

The delegation included Morgan Tsvangirai, founding president of the Movement for Democratic Change, National Constitutional Assembly Chairman Lovemore Madhuku, ZAPU-PF President Paul Siwela, and a Zimbabwe National Students Union officer.

Arthur Mutambara, head of an MDC faction in competition with Tsvangirai's, whose travel was delayed when Zimbabwean authorities seized his passport, was to join the delegation on Thursday in London, sources with the delegation said.

NCA Chairman Madhuku told reporter Blessing Zulu of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe he rejected the Herald's criticism and that those in the delegation had the right to inform the world about Zimbabwe including abuses of human rights.

The delegation has also visited Ghana and Germany on the trip.

More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...