Will Zimbabwean sanctions be eased in return for reform?
European Union governments will today consider the easing of sanctions against Zimbabwe in exchange for constitutional reform.
Robert Mugabe 'fit' and 'bounding down stairs'
Robert Mugabe is back in Zimbabwe, and he is alive. Will his enemies regret starting the rumour that he was close to death?
Rumours circulate about the health of Robert Mugabe
Speculation has grown over the health of the Zimbabwean president with rumours he's "gravely ill" being dismissed by ministers as "hogwash".
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Margaret Thatcher praised 'friendly' Robert Mugabe
In private papers released today, Margaret Thatcher mentions a number of figures who would go on to play a significant role in public and political life, both at home and around the world.They include an early meeting with Robert Mugabe, who had been elected as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe in 1980.
Now widely condemned over violent land seizures, Mugabe was at that time still considered a hero by many after his role in the guerrilla movement against white-minority rule.At a lunch held in his honour on May 19, 1982, Lady Thatcher praised him for his "friendly and open manner".
She added: "A successful Zimbabwe will undoubtedly contribute to the peace and stability of Central and Southern Africa as a whole, and we wish you and your colleagues well in your endeavours."
The papers also include a very brief mention of Tony Blair who was elected as MP for Sedgefield the following year and a short reply to a letter from Jimmy Savile.
Robert Mugabe arrives for Pope's inauguration
A spokesperson for the Vatican has said that all countries were welcome to attend the inaugural mass for Pope Francis as Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe slipped into Italy despite facing a European Union travel ban.
Mugabe, Africa's oldest leader, has been under the ban since 2002 because of allegations of vote rigging and human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. However as Vatican City is not a member of the EU his visit does not breach the restrictions.
He was whisked straight from his plane in a black van, together with his wife, Grace, and bodyguards.
The Vatican says it did not issue invitations for the pope's inauguration, but that representatives of world governments are welcome to attend;
"The Holy See does not invite any country or foreign delegation or country or leader to come to this particular ceremony.
"We inform the world that this is taking place. Those who wish to come are welcomed, no-one is refused, they may come and take part in the ceremony," said Vatican Press Secretary Father Thomas Rosica in a media briefing.
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Robert Mugabe celebrates 89th birthday in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has marked his 89th birthday with a lavish party, which reportedly cost around £400,000.
Thousands attended the stadium celebrations for Mugabe, who last week denied claims by his political rivals of playing dirty ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections later in the year.
Will Zimbabwean sanctions be eased in return for reform?
European Union governments will today consider the easing of sanctions against Zimbabwe in exchange for constitutional reform.
Read the full storyRobert Mugabe 'fit' and 'bounding down stairs'
Robert Mugabe is back in Zimbabwe, and he is alive. Will his enemies regret starting the rumour that he was close to death?
Read the full storyMugabe arrives back in Zimbabwe
by Rohit Kachroo - Africa CorrespondentRobert Mugabe has arrived back in Zimbabwe today, he looked "fit" according to reports.
His arrival ends speculation that he was seriously ill.
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Rumours circulate about the health of Robert Mugabe
Speculation has grown over the health of the Zimbabwean president with rumours he's "gravely ill" being dismissed by ministers as "hogwash".
Read the full story