Occupation of White Farmers' Lands - 2002-08-21

Occupation of White Farmers' Lands - 2002-08-21. Simultaneously with the actions of the Zimbabwean police in suppressing white farmers who have refused to vacate and hand over their farms, a senior Zimbabwean official has urged landless black citizens of the country to move to these farms. According to Patrick Chinamasa, the Minister of Justice of Zimbabwe, it was written in the Tuesday edition of the state newspaper Herald that landless black citizens, for whom land has been designated, should begin using their lands. Hundreds of white farmers have not complied with the August 8 deadline regarding the evacuation of their farms under the land reform law. Since the end of the deadline, about 200 white farmers have been arrested, and some have appeared in court to face charges. The farmers have challenged the government's actions, stating that these actions are contrary to the Zimbabwean constitution. The latest news from a senior U.S. diplomat indicates that Washington does not recognize President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe as a legitimate leader and encourages the people of this country to rectify the situation. Walter Kansteiner, the Director General of the U.S. State Department for African Affairs, stated that Mr. Mugabe's re-election earlier this year was due to fraud. He mentioned on Tuesday that Washington, along with other countries, is working to encourage the people of Zimbabwe to hold free and fair elections. On the other hand, the Mugabe government, in conjunction with the actions of the Zimbabwean police in suppressing white farmers who have refused to vacate and hand over their farms, has asked landless black citizens of the country to move to these farms. The confiscation of white farmers' lands occurs at a time when half of the 12 million population of Zimbabwe is facing severe food shortages.