S Africa 'might pay Harare debt'

[Eugene]

Last Updated: Sunday, 24 July, 2005, 15:34 GMT 16:34 UK

S Africa 'might pay Harare debt'

South African President Thabo Mbeki has indicated South Africa might
repay some of Zimbabwe's foreign debts.

Speaking in Pretoria, Mr Mbeki said his country could help pay off
Zimbabwe's near $300m (£172m) loan from the International Monetary
Fund (IMF).

He said it was in South Africa's own economic interests to assist.

<snip>

"We don't want Zimbabwe collapsing here next door because South Africa
would inherit all the consequences, and we don't want that," he said.

More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4712633.stm