Maravi

(TALKZIMBABWE) Australia not lifting sanctions against Zim

Australia not lifting sanctions against Zim
Associated Press reporter/Our reporter
Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:29:00 +0000

AUSTRALIA’S foreign minister says sanctions against Zimbabwe will not be lifted, despite the signing of a historic power-sharing deal by the leaders of the African nation. Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said Tuesday that sanctions would be reviewed depending on human rights progress and social and economic reconstruction. Smith welcomed the agreement signed Monday by President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai as "modest progress."

"From a very low base, this is modest progress," he told Parliament. "The proof will be in the actual implementation and we certainly wish that Mr Tsvangirai has a full and complete opportunity to advance the interests of his people."

He said the Aussie Government would also consider increasing the humanitarian food aid to Zimbabwe.

"Depending upon progress, we will look to whether it's possible for Australia to increase its humanitarian assistance to Zimbabwe, and also whether capacity building development assistance is also appropriate," Smith said.

The sanctions include a ban on non-humanitarian aid, prohibition of defense links, and restrictions on financial transactions and visas for members of some government and business leaders.

Associated Press/Zim Guardian

Labels: AUSTRALIA, SANCTIONS, ZIMBABWE

posted by MrK @ 2:59 PM