Denounces gays in UN address
Mugabe rejects extending rights to gay people in Zimbabwe during a speech at the UN General Assembly.
We reject attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs. We are not gays.
He also criticized US and EU sanctions:
We have peace in Zimbabwe just now. We don’t want war. We don’t want interference. We don’t want to hear of regime change at all.
Reads wrong speech
Mugabe reads the wrong speech at the opening of parliament, giving the same one he gave during his state-of-the-nation address. His spokesman says the error was because of a mix-up in the president’s secretarial office. Tension is high ahead of the speech and the state broadcaster cancels its live feed fearing disruptions since at least six members of parliament from the opposition received a text message from a sender called “Death” warning them to behave. The message reads:
Warning: Immunity ends in parliament… act wisely by not disturbing the proceedings of parliament.
Says Zimbabwe failed to protect Cecil
Mugabe says Zimbabweans failed in their responsibility to protect Cecil. Mugabe says his compatriots should protect their natural resources from what he calls foreign ‘vandals’.
Even Cecil the lion – he is yours. He’s dead! He was yours to protect and you failed to protect him. There are vandals who come from all over of course… some may be just ordinary visitors, but (there are) others who want to vandalise, to irregularly and illegally acquire part of our resources.
Attends NY Ebola summit
Mugabe arrives in New York ahead of the United Nations International Ebola Recovery Conference, accompanied by First Lady Grace Mugabe, Health Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister and Finance Minister. They are expected to be confined within a 25-mile radius due to travel sanctions.
The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association is warning that the health delivery system in the country is deteriorating owing to government lax in controlling medical aid societies and alleged corruption, citing the auditor general’s report which alleged that local resources are being abused and are short changing patients.