JOHANNESBURG, 30 June 2008 (IRIN) - International condemnation of Robert Mugabe's controversial re-election as president of Zimbabwe has now turned to criticism of foreign businesses operating in the country, which are seen as helping to prop up the regime.

Despite the meltdown of the economy, a number of multinational corporations have continued operations in the Southern African country and some have even proposed expansion. Last week mining giant Anglo American announced it would go ahead with a US$400 million plan to open a new platinum mine.

The move sparked international outrage and other large foreign businesses, like UK-based Barclays Bank, were questioned on their commitment to corporate social responsibility.

In response to the furore, Anglo released a statement saying: "Anglo American has been an investor in Zimbabwe for 60 years [and] is deeply concerned about the current political situation, and condemns the violence and human rights abuses that are taking place."

The company said the mining project had been in development since 2003, and "is a long-term investment in a mine which is yet to start production and will not generate revenues for some years."

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