Ex-leader urges pressure on Mugabe

Ian Smith said South Africa's involvement is the key

The former colonial leader of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) has said international opposition to President Robert Mugabe must become more unified in order to be effective.

Ian Smith told the BBC that the involvement of South Africa was crucial in maintaining pressure on Mr Mugabe.

What we've got to do is get all of the powers working together and I think there is hope

Ian Smith

"They're the powerhouse of the whole continent, and we've got to make sure that we take them along with us," he said.

Mr Smith said he could suggest improvements to the British Government's handling of the current crisis, but admitted that the situation was a complicated one.

The former prime minister said he was encouraged by what he described as some "strong words" from the South African ambassador to Zimbabwe about Mr Mugabe and his actions.

President Mugabe: Reprimand

"Only a few days ago the South African President Thabo Mbeki made it clear [in a BBC interview] that he was fed up, and that he wanted Mugabe to change, but Mugabe was just not prepared to listen," he added.

"What we've got to do is collate and get all of the powers working together ... and I think there is hope," said Mr Smith.

Mugabe rapped

Asked whether he believed that opinion was changing where it mattered, Mr Smith said this week's meeting of 14 African leaders in Malawi was an encouraging sign.

"They certainly gave Mugabe a rap across the knuckles, because they accused him of interfering in the Congo and implicating them without their consent and that he should not have done that."

"I don't think there's any doubt that he was reprimanded there, and that he's licking his wounds," he added.

'Strong body'

Mr Smith said that although some white farmers have decided to cut their losses and leave the country, a "strong body" of farmers remain determined to stay on their land.

At least 30 farms have been looted in recent days

"Unlike a professional man - who can pick up his briefcase and go - its not easy to pick up your farm and go," he said.

Ian Smith was prime minister of Rhodesia for 15 years, during which time the country illegally declared independence from British rule.

He fought a guerrilla war against Mr Mugabe and other black leaders who demanded majority black rule.

It was a struggle he eventually lost, paving the way for the country's independence as Zimbabwe in 1980.

Ironically, the decision by apartheid South Africa to stop backing its fellow white minority government was seen as crucial in bringing down Mr Smith's government.