Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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February 28, 2009

Zimbabwean President Celebrates Birthday with $250,000 Bash
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=22956A3:A6F02AD83191E16077F9F669C78B0167A13B8D4F2090AB2B&
 
Critics condemn celebration as inappropriate in country in grip of
economic, humanitarian crisis 
President Robert Mugabe (r) and his wife Grace are seen during his 85th
birthday celebrations in Chinhoyi, 28 Feb 2009Zimbabwe President Robert
Mugabe celebrates his birthday Saturday with a lavish party, which
critics have condemned as inappropriate in a country in the grip of an
economic and humanitarian crisis. Supporters of the president have
raised $250,000 for the celebration in the town of Chinhoyi, north of
the capital, Harare. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, the president's
longtime rival, plans to attend the event. The two men recently entered
into a unity government under intense pressure from regional leaders.
Mr. Tsvangirai has criticized the president's birthday parties in the
past, saying they waste money in a country crippled by poverty and food
shortages.

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters. 


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