Zimbabwe provides sanctuary for Ethiopia's ex-dictator

HARARE - Zimbabwe's government has granted sanctuary to a former Ethiopian dictator wanted for trial over atrocities committed during his 17-year rule.

Mengistu Haile Mariam and seven other members of his clan have been given permanent residence status in Zimbabwe, despite long-standing calls for Mariam's extradition.

Mengistu's new status means that he and his family members can no longer be issued with deportation orders from Zimbabwe unless they commit serious criminal offences in that country.

A senior official at the Ethiopian embassy in Harare said yesterday her government still desperately wanted Mengistu to stand trial in Ethiopia.

- INDEPENDENT SOUTH AFRICA