Britain gives extra aid for Zimbabwe

Britain pledged an extra five million pounds in aid to Zimbabwe Monday, hailing progress under a new unity government but urging more reform after landmark talks between leaders of the two countries.

Speaking after talks with premier Morgan Tsvangirai -- the first such meeting with a Zimbabwean leader for over two decades -- Prime Minister Gordon Brown vowed more help "if the reform programme on the ground gains momentum."

The extra 8.2 million dollars (5.9 million euros) brings to 60 million pounds the transitional aid to Harare this year, said Brown, whose government long opposed the regime of President Robert Mugabe in the former British colony.

Before the two men joined together in a power-sharing government, Mugabe had often sought to discredit Tsvangirai, his longtime rival, by labelling him a tool of British interests.

"We are prepared to respond when the Zimbabwean government takes action which is in conformity with the long-term ambition," he said in a joint press conference with Tsvangirai in his Downing Street office.

"We want to see Zimbabwe prosper, we want to see the emergence of a free society and genuine democratic politics."

London is Tsvangirai's final stop on a tour of Europe and the United States to drum up support for the "new Zimbabwe," after his agreement with Mugabe to set up a unity government four months ago.

Britain has sounded a cautious note, saying it will support the inclusive government despite its concerns about Mugabe but that it will not lift sanctions until Harare proves it is on a path to democracy.

"There are great signs of progress: a budget and economic plans are in place; schools are reopening; children are once again filling the classrooms," said Brown.

"As a result of the progress, we will increase our support to help Zimbabwe move from mere survival towards a genuine recovery.

"We are prepared to go further, in offering more transitional support, if the reform programme on the ground gains momentum. I want to see the government taking further rapid steps forward."

Tsvangirai has insisted on his overseas trip that Mugabe's presence in power should not deter foreign governments from helping his country.

But in a sign of continuing caution, Brown said the extra British funds would be given via aid agencies, rather than to the Zimbabwean government directly.

Tsvangirai said Zimbabwe's reform programme is "irreversible" -- and defended his power-sharing deal with Mugabe.

"Although this is not a perfect arrangement, we realise that it is a workable arrangement," he said, adding: "I want to assure you we are in an irreversible process towards consolidating the democratic values.

"I know that the world is anxious to see signs of progress, especially the fulfillment of the global political agreement."

And he said: "It is unfortunate that those living in Britain, because they don't see Mugabe disappearing and therefore conclude that nothing has changed.

"I want to assure you that that is not the case," he added.