Zimbabwe said today President Robert Mugabe would defend policies that have brought sanctions against him to fellow world leaders at the Earth Summit.
Speaking to reporters in Johannesburg, Information Minister Jonathan Moyo rejected accusations that the drive to seize white-owned commercial farms for redistribution to landless blacks was responsible for a looming famine in the country.
Mr Moyo was asked whether he would deliver this message in person to the British delegation. He said Mr Mugabe would address the UN meeting: "They will hear the president's voice...We hope Britain will be there to listen."
Mr Mugabe accuses former colonial ruler Britain of supporting his opponents and seeking to entrench white dominance of the farm-based economy.