South Africa, Zimbabwe strengthen defense, intelligence ties

South Africa, Zimbabwe strengthen defense, intelligence ties

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) -- South Africa and Zimbabwe signed an agreement to strengthen defense and intelligence ties at a ceremony Thursday emphasizing the solidarity between the two neighbors in the face of growing international condemnation of Zimbabwe.

South African Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils praised Zimbabwe's "advances and successes" in the 25 years since its independence from Britain. He said the two countries shared a "common world view" and would "march forward shoulder to shoulder."

The comments contrasted with the criticism heaped on Zimbabwe by most Western governments, which accuse Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe of bringing his country to the brink of economic and social collapse and trampling on human rights.

In brief remarks at the signing ceremony, Zimbabwean Minister for National Security Dydimus Matasa, one of the most powerful and feared figures in Zimbabwe, said the greatest threat to the southern African region's security came from outside "influences whose aim is to effect regime change especially with regard to countries led by former liberation movements."

Zimbabwe has repeatedly accused its Western critics, the United States and Britain in particular, of plotting against Mugabe's regime. Mugabe has found allies among movements in the region such as South Africa's ruling African National Congress that fought colonialism and white rule. Mugabe supported the ANC in the fight against apartheid.

Regional heavyweight South Africa is the most important ally of an increasingly isolated Zimbabwe. President Thabo Mbeki maintains that his policy of quiet diplomacy is the only way to bring about economic and political reform.

Kasrils bristled at a press conference following the signing ceremony when asked about Zimbabwe's civil liberties record.

"We have very strong ties with our neighbor, and we are indebted to our neighbor for achieving freedom and liberty," he said. "This will never ever be forgotten by the people of South Africa."

Zimbabwe Minister of Defense Sydney Sekeremayi accused the West of feigning concern about human rights and civil liberties when it was only really interested in the seizure of land from white Zimbabweans for redistribution to blacks.

"The position that we have taken as a country to repossess our land is irreversible," Sekeremayi said.

The agreement signed Thursday provides for a Joint Permanent Commission on Defense and Security to boost military, police and intelligence cooperation, and to tackle specific areas of concern such as cross-border crime and illegal immigration.

There are an estimated 3 million Zimbabweans living in South Africa, many of them without papers, seeking refuge from political repression and economic collapse at home.

Under a separate agreement, Zimbabwe also promised to send flying instructors to train South African air force pilots and technicians.

Zimbabwe used to be one of Africa's most advanced countries with a highly educated and trained work force. It is now suffering from inflation of more than 400 percent, mass unemployment and shortages of most staples.

Analysts blame the meltdown in the agriculture-based economy on the chaotic and often violent seizures of more than 5,000 white-owned commercial farms since 2000.

The United Nations estimates that at least 4 million of the country's 12.5 million people are suffering severe food shortages.

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