The Zimbabwe president, accused of ethnic cleansing and bankrupting his country, asked to champion tourism
With a line-up that includes Drew Barrymore, David Beckham, Orlando Bloom, and Ricky Martin, the UN’s choice of ambassadors has been known to cause raised eyebrows or the odd smirk.
Seldom, however, has there been such anger, or questioning of the organisation’s credibility, as that greeting the appointment of a new international envoy for tourism: Robert Mugabe.
Improbable as it seems, the Zimbabwean president, who is widely accused of ethnic cleansing, rigging elections, terrorising opposition, controlling media and presiding over a collapsed economy, has been endorsed as a champion of efforts to boost global holidaymaking.Despite that fact Mugabe, 88, is under a travel ban, he has been honoured as a “leader for tourism” by the UN’s World Tourism Organisation, along with his political ally, Zambian president Michael Sata, 75. The pair signed an agreement with UNWTO secretary general Taleb Rifai at their shared border at Victoria Falls on Tuesday. Read more
Mimi / May 30, 2012
This sounds like a sick joke. This man has been ruthless, causing the deaths of so many, seizing lands from white farmers who have lived there for generations, and brutally attacking them, his goons have gone on killing rampages of Zimbabweans who have supported the opposition, and yes rigged elections, and is a pariah in the world. Something is horribly wrong at the UN.
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Lady gaga / May 30, 2012
The Queen of England has invited MR the war criminal to dinner, hope she has also invited Mugabe. Mugabe @ 88 is a doddering dodo who should be sent to the geriatrics ward –like the queen of England!
These people cling to power even as they become senile and deny the youth and young people who seem change, space and voice! But then the UN has always been quite backward!
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Gowrie / May 30, 2012
Ha!..Ha!..Rajapakshe will be his successor. Brace yourself!
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Raajapassa / May 30, 2012
This is a joke right? I know its almost two months since April Fools Day…
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