Mugabe African post condemned

Mugabe blames his problems on a western plot

President Robert Mugabe's naming by the African Union as its ambassador for southern Africa has been condemned by Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).

"This really is a great betrayal of the people of Zimbabwe who have suffered so much under Mugabe," said MDC spokesman Paul Themba Nyathi.

Mr Mugabe was named to the new role over the weekend at the AU summit in Mozambique.

Correspondents say his job involves promoting the ideals of the AU and raising funds for AU projects.

Leaders rotate positions not only in the AU, but in the European Union as well Bheki Khumalo Thabo Mbeki's spokesman

Mr Mugabe says his nomination shows Africa's "admiration for Zimbabwe".

Some also see it as a snub for US President George Bush, who toured Africa last week and who does not recognise Mr Mugabe's government.

'Union of dictators'

Mr Mugabe is under sanctions from the European Union, the United States and the Commonwealth following his controversial re-election last year.

Western observers and the opposition say the poll was marred by violence and irregularities.

Even bread is in short supply in Zimbabwe

Mr Mugabe says Zimbabwe's economic problems are the result of a western plot against him because of his land reform programme.

A spokesman for South African President Thabo Mbeki said there was nothing wrong with Mr Mugabe's role.

"He is entitled to be elected to serve his 12-month term. Leaders rotate positions not only in the AU, but in the European Union as well," said Bheki Khumalo.

Mr Nyathi said the AU had become a "union of dictatorships" which had made a mockery of its founding commitment to good governance.

During the summit, Mr Mugabe chaired a meeting on the New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad).

Nepad is a new plan idea put forward by African leaders, under which Africa promises to improve its governance in return for more aid from the west.

The Zimbabwe crisis was removed from the agenda of the AU summit.