New York — AN anti-Zimbabwe demonstration organised by a group calling itself Association of Zimbabweans Abroad was a total flop after only 10 people turned up at the venue opposite the United Nations Headquarters here on Saturday.

The protesters, mainly whites waved placards denouncing President Mugabe, the Government and Zanu-PF but the protesters were largely ignored by ordinary people and delegates who went on with their business.

Plans to stage the demonstrations were announced some months ago by the group, but if the number of people who heeded their call is anything to go by, then the organisers of the demonstrations should know that they were wasting their time.

The demonstrations were planned so that they could coincide with the UN World Summit and the 60th General Assembly that started here last Wednesday.

Asked by reporters whether the demonstration had been successful considering the small number of people in attendance, one of the organisers Mr Stanford Mukasa, however, said the demonstration was a success.

"Yes, we are happy. The demonstration has been a success. If this was Harare, police would have thrown teargas at us," he said.

Pressed to comment further on the low attendance, Mr Mukasa said: "More people are coming. Some will come later."

However, the venue was still deserted an hour later.

It was clear from the beginning that the demonstration would be a flop as even the few protesters showed disinterest with some sitting under the trees. Led by Dr Handel Mlilo of the North American Coalition for a Free Zimbabwe, the protesters tried to sing anti-Zimbabwe songs but they just did not have the energy.

"Free Zimbabwe now, Free Zimbabwe now" they faintly chanted and their voices were swallowed by cars that were driving by.

The international media that the organisers thought would trip each other to cover their event was busy trying to secure an interview with President Mugabe.

One of the demonstrators was putting on an MDC T-shirt and when this reporter tried to interview him, he disappeared into the streets.