Mugabe blasts 'god Bush'

2004-09-22 21:11

New York - Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, long a thorn in the side of the United States and Britain, drew applause at the United Nations on Wednesday for a scathing speech that tore into the Iraqi war allies.

Mugabe blasted the two nations for holding up reform of the UN security council in "calculated" attempts at trying to preserve their influence at the United Nations.

"Ironically, it is some of the same forces that since last year have been raining bombs and hellfire on innocent Iraqis, purportedly in the name of democracy," he said.

"Iraq today has become a vast inferno created by blatant and completely illegal and defiant acts of aggression by the United States, Britain and their allies," said Mugabe.

"We are now being coerced to accept and believe that a new political-cum-religious doctrine has arisen, namely that 'There is but one political god, George W Bush, and Tony Blair is his prophet,'" he said.

'Unprovoked, declared and undeclared sanctions'

That line, a play on a well-known saying of Islamic prayer, drew applause from diplomats gathered at the UN general assembly on hand for the annual two-week debate of world leaders.

Mugabe also condemned Britain's work for his ousting, including sanctions against his country.

"Zimbabwe has also had to withstand unprovoked, declared and undeclared sanctions, imposed by Britain and its allies who are bent on bringing down our legitimately elected government," he said.

"Mr Tony Blair, the British prime minister, has arrogantly and unashamedly announced in his parliament that his government was working with Zimbabwe's opposition party to bring about regime change," he said.

"Once again, the lawless nature of this man who, along with his Washington master, believes he is God-ordained to rule our world, has shown itself," said Mugabe.

- AFP