Zimbabwe threw a party marking a quarter of a century?s independence yesterday but celebrations were overshadowed by a long-running political and economic crisis that many blame on President Robert Mugabe.

In power since independence from Britain in 1980, Mugabe is largely isolated by Western powers who back opposition charges that he has rigged major elections in the last five years.

But he says he is the target of Western anger for his nationalist policies, mainly his controversial seizures of white-owned farms for blacks, and hails both the independence silver jubilee and his tenure in office as a victory against Western imperialism.

At a huge glittering party he hosted late on Sunday night as part of celebrations, Mugabe said sacrifices made by many for Zimbabwe?s independence struggle had laid the foundation for a strong and resilient nation prepared to defend its resources.

Mugabe said many nations, especially the ?Frontline States? of Angola, Botswana, Mozam-bique, Zambia and Tanzania, paid a heavy economic and political price to advance Zimba-bwe?s independence .

?All these countries were aggressed by the racist Rhodesian regime and by apartheid South Africa ... and the costs were stupendous,? he said. Mugabe bestowed Zimbabwe?s highest national awards posthumously on the late founder presidents of Angola, Agos-tinho Neto, Botswana, Sir Se-retse Khama, Mozambique, Samora Machel, and Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, and former Zam-bian president Kenneth Kaunda for stoutly backing Zimbabwe?s independence war.

Sunday?s party at a Harare hotel spilled into yesterday, when celebrations continue at Harare?s National Sports Stadium where Mugabe is scheduled to give an address later in the day.

At least half a dozen African leaders are expected, but the event has been overshadowed by opposition charges that Mugabe?s ZANU-PF party cheated in last month?s parliamentary polls.

Critics say Mugabe, who led the 1970s war and in his years in office invested heavily in health, education, and infrastructure, has ruined one of Africa?s most promising economies.

The poll prompted a chorus of condemnation from the opposition and Western powers that political analysts said had further dented Mugabe?s international credibility.

<B>Cris Chinaka</B>