Zimbabwe's Mugabe pays tribute to late Zambian president

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2008

LUSAKA (AFP) — Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has paid a glowing tribute to the late Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa, his arch-critic, for his "courage" and "frankness," state radio reported on Wednesday.

"Mwanawasa was a very courageous leader. He was very frank and wanted to change not only his country but the entire southern African region. We will greatly miss him," the radio quoted him as saying on arrival in Lusaka, late Tuesday, for Mwanawasa's burial.

Mwanawasa had been an outspoken critic of Mugabe, once referring to Zimbabwe as a "sinking Titanic."

At least 10 of the 15 African heads of state expected for Wednesday's burial are already in Lusaka, officials said.

Besides Mugabe, Presidents Ian Khama of Botswana and Bingu wa Mutharika of...