Mugabe back from DRC

President Robert Mugabe says the government will re-organise operations in the diamond industry by choosing companies that will work with the state as part of efforts to monitor the sector.

Mugabe made the remarks at the Harare International Airport on arrival from the Democratic Republic of Congo where he attended the 17th COMESA summit of heads of state and government.

He was met by Vice President Joice Mujuru, the Minister of Defence, Dr Sydney Sekeramayi, the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Professor Jonathan Moyo, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, senior government officials and service chiefs.

Mugabe said the country will also start auctioning the diamonds locally and avoid the inconveniences of transporting the precious stones outside the country

The 17th COMESA summit of heads of state and government was held under the theme: "Consolidating Intra-COMESA Trade Through Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises."

During the flight to the DRC, all the 17 Air Zimbabwe crew members on board, led by Captain Judicate Jonasi, congratulated Mugabe on his 90th birthday.