Mugabe threatens US and UK firms in Zimbabwe

Harare, 19 Dec – (ANA) - Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe says his country will nationalise all US and UK companies operating in the country unless Western sanctions are removed.

He told his Zanu-PF party's annual conference it was time to fight the sanctions imposed on him and party leaders.

Mr Mugabe also said it was time to end power-sharing with the party of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

The agreement with the MDC, struck in 2008, is due to expire in February.

Mr Mugabe said he would push for elections early next year.

More than 4,000 Zanu-PF members attended the opening of the conference in the eastern city of Mutare.

The conference is expected to nominate 86-year-old Mr Mugabe as party candidate for the next election.

"Why should we continue to have 400 British companies operating here freely?" Mr Mugabe said.

"Why should we continue having companies and organisations that are supported by Britain and America without hitting back? Time has come for us to [take] revenge."

Under Zimbabwe's empowerment laws, black Zimbabweans should acquire 51% of foreign businesses.

"We can read the riot act and say this is 51% we are taking and if the sanctions persist we are taking over 100%," Mr Mugabe said. (ANA)

FA/ANA/19 December 2010-----