Platinum producer Anglo American has defended its stance on investing in Zimbabwe, despite criticism in the world media.

The firm said it has invested in the country for the last 60 years and had a "clear responsibility to protect the wellbeing of its more than 650 employees".

The firm feels that it would jeopardise the livelihoods of the employees if it moved away from Zimbabwe.

In a statement, Anglo American expressed its concern of the political situation in Zimbabwe and condemned "the violence and human rights abuses that are taking place".

But it also revealed that if it stops investing in its projects in Zimbabwe the Government will "assume control".

The firm has been criticised in the media for not ceasing a £200 million investment to build a platinum mine in Zimbabwe.

According to reports in the Times, the Foreign Office was investigating whether the company's investment breached sanctions against Zimbabwe but Anglo American maintained that their investment was legal.



Source:

Anglo American statement on Zimbabwe 25/06/08
http://www.angloamerican.co.uk/article/?afw_source_key=6D6571EF-93A5-4CC8-AEE5-396A9D7D1380&xsl_menu_parent=/newsandmedia/pressreleases/archive2008/

Outrage over £200m UK investment in Zimbabwe 25/06/08
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article4207971.ece