Britain eases Zim travel advice

2008-08-28 08:35

London - Britain on Wednesday eased its official warning against travel to Zimbabwe, citing decreased violence following the election crisis in the African country.

But the former colonial power in Zimbabwe cautioned that unrest could erupt again "without warning", amid continued uncertainty over power-sharing talks between President Robert Mugabe and opposition groups.

"Due to the continued decrease in violence in the country we no longer advise against all but essential travel to Zimbabwe," said the Foreign Office, updating formal travel advice on its website.

But it said: "We strongly advise against all travel to high density, low-income suburban areas at any time; and all but essential travel to rural Mashonaland, rural Manicaland and farming areas.

War veterans

"There have been a number of serious incidents in rural areas and it is dangerous for farmers or agricultural workers to visit former properties or other agricultural areas."

And it added: "You should also avoid areas where war veterans are active. The situation remains unpredictable and incidents of violence across the country continue: it could deteriorate further, without warning."

Britain has been among the most vocal critics of Mugabe, who was quoted on Wednesday as saying he will form a new government despite a deadlock in power-sharing negotiations.

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband issued a statement last Saturday backing Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai's stance on the negotiations with Mugabe's Zanu-PF party.

- AFP