The British government learned about an alleged plot to overthrow the government of Equatorial Guinea in January this year, several weeks before suspects who included British citizens were arrested in the case. Britain denies being involved in any plot to topple Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo despite accusations from Zimbabwe that U.S., British and Spanish spy agencies did play a part. Asked by Britain's opposition Conservatives when the government was first informed of the suspected plot in the oil-rich West African state, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said: "In late January 2004." That would be five or six weeks before Zimbabwe seized a U.S.-registered cargo plane which was carrying some 64 suspected mercenaries and a cargo of military gear. One day later, on March 8, some 15 suspected mercenaries were arrested in Equatorial Guinea in a probe linked to the plane. Authorities in both countries accused those arrested of being part of a scheme to overthrow Equatorial Guinea's government. --More 1754 Local Time 1454 GMT
