London: Virgin Group boss Richard Branson had
plans to bankroll a diplomatic move aimed at persuading Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe to step down, according to a cable published by WikiLeaks.
According to the US Embassy cable, Branson agreed to fund
the plan, which was proposed by former Zimbabwean Information
Minister Jonathan Moyo in July 2007.
The cable, signed by Ambassador Eric Bost, said Branson
was due to hold a secret meeting with Nelson Mandela and other
African statesmen in Johannesburg to discuss the move.
The plan never materialised.
A spokesman for Branson confirmed yesterday that he was
approached by Moyo to discuss the form coalition government in
2007.
But the spokesman said "no further action was taken" after
the meeting.
PTI
