adminagrarian reforms, saying it was impossible to fight poverty without addressing land ownership imbalances.
Speaking at a special breakfast meeting with the Zimbabwean delegation to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme discussions here, Rev Jackson also indicated
his willingness to visit Zimbabwe soon and re-establish the close ties which existed between Africa and the US civil rights movement in the fight against colonialism and apartheid.
“You cannot fight poverty unless you address the issue of land, which is President Mugabe’s point. The Lancaster House Agreement should have been honoured,” he said.
The firebrand civil rights icon said land reform was the best instrument for “democratising” the means of production.
Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu conveyed President Mugabe’s warmest greetings to Rev Jackson.
“We have been inspired and motivated by your moral support as Zimbabweans,” said the Minister.
Rev Jackson, widely regarded as one of the most important black leaders in America, was accompanied to the meeting by his wife Jackie and his son Jesse Jackson Jr, who is the US Representative for Illinois’s second Congressional district.
Congressman Jackson Jr, a member of the influential Congressional Black Caucus, invited the Zimbabwean delegation to attend an investment conference organised by black businesspersons in Chicago, Illinois, next month.
Self-made black billionaire, Mr Elzie Higgingbottom, also attended the breakfast meeting. Mr Higgingbottom, who is chief executive and president of Eastlake Management Group Incorporated, said many US companies were keen to invest in Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter