Denmark to give Zimbabwe $18 million in aid

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Denmark pledged $18 million in aid to Zimbabwe on Wednesday and said more could follow if the government pursued democratic reforms.

Development Minister Ulla Tornas told a joint news conference with Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai that Denmark wanted to support democratic forces in the government.

"In rough terms we're giving $12 million for health, education and food security, and $6 million in humanitarian assistance," she said.

Tsvangirai's visit was part of a tour of Western countries designed to drum up financial support for Zimbabwe's fragile unity government which he shares with President Robert Mugabe.

Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Moller told the news conference: "For us it is very important that the government of Mr. Tsvangirai becomes a success. Because, if it becomes a failure, it will be very difficult next time to establish a democratic government (in Zimbabwe)."

Denmark halted development aid to Zimbabwe in 2002 in reaction to the disputed re-election of Mugabe and now provides only humanitarian aid and some aid through non-governmental organisations.

"Times have changed," Moller said. "The development minister has decided to give transitional support because the situation is different."

If the democratic process in Zimbabwe continued, Denmark might give more aid, he added.

Germany pledged 25 million euros for Zimbabwe on Monday.