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JOHANNESBURG - Strained relations between the Danish and the Zimbabwean government came to a head on Thursday as Denmark announced it will close its embassy later this year.

Ole Moesby, the Danish ambassador, told IRIN: "We have recognised that our relationship with the Zimbabwean government has not been ideal. We haven't seen any commitment to dialogue and we don't believe we could have done anything more to improve the situation in the country."

Denmark gave Zimbabwe aid worth US$8,3 million in 2001 and made more available in 2002 to complete projects already underway.

Denmark had warned ahead of the elections that aid for 2002 was at stake if President Robert Mugabe unfairly held onto power.

"Denmark has no real political interest in the country. Our trade relationship is not really significant and so it is probably best to pull out given the current dynamics," Moesby said. - Irin