British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he will not attend a December summit of European Union and African leaders in Portugal if Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is present, urging other leaders to increase pressure on the Harare government.

In an article published in The Independent on Thursday, the premier heavily criticized Mugabe for depriving people of basic rights and for the faulty policy adopted.

“President Mugabe is the only African leader to face an EU travel ban. There is a reason for this - the abuse of his own people,” Brown wrote. “There is no freedom in Zimbabwe; no freedom of association; no freedom of the press.”

Brown accused Mugabe of “widespread torture and mass intimidation of the political opposition,” saying the Zimbabwean leader’s presence at the meeting scheduled to take place in Lisbon between December 8 and 9 will certainly “undermine the summit” and divert attention from other stressing issues.

“In those circumstances, my attendance would not be appropriate,” the prime minister said.

He urged other EU countries to maintain the travel ban imposed on the Harare leader and asked the United Nations to send a humanitarian mission to the impoverished country as soon as possible.

Even if his moves are aimed at isolating the Mugabe regime, Brown said Britain will not cut the financial aid to the African country. He is expected to announce a new 8-million-pounds aid for Britain’s former colony. The aid will be provided through the World Food Programme.

Discontent is rising in Zimbabwe, after Mugabe’s policies failed to boost the low living standard and slash the inflation of almost 6,600 per cent. Only 20 per cent of the working population is employed, as the economic crisis deepens each year.

The African leader accused Western countries of trying to undermine his authority and topple the regime through continuous criticism and economic sanctions against members of the ruling party.

Numerous prominent personalities lashed out at Mugabe’s regime, blaming the leader for the people’s misery and the plummeting economy. Brown is the latest person to blast Mugabe for his defective leadership, saying the EU must send an envoy to Zimbabwe who will “support the transition to democracy.”

He said Britain will continue to aid Zimbabweans and work with other developed economies on an economic reconstruction plan.

”Britain will not shirk our responsibilities to the people of Zimbabwe, and I am determined that we do all we can to help them forge a better future for themselves and their children.”