U.S. celebrations in Zimbabwe tempered by concern

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) — The U.S. ambassador to Zimbabwe said it was difficult to be joyful about his country's Independence Day holiday on Friday because of the plight of opposition supporters camped in fear at the gates of his embassy. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, meanwhile, was welcomed by throngs of supporters on his return from a gathering of African leaders, and one of the country's neighbors repeated its calls for regional leaders to reject his government. Mugabe flew into his capital, Harare, from Egypt where an African Union summit ended Monday with some harsh words. It is not clear why Mugabe tarried several days before returning. Almost 200 people were still camped outside the U.S. Embassy in Harare after seeking refuge there Thursday. Groups of people could be seen sleeping in the winter sun with... [read full story]