(TALKZIMBABWE) Tsvangirai calls for lifting of sanctions
Tsvangirai calls for lifting of sanctionsOur Reporter/Reuters
Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:35:00 +0000
ZIMBABWEAN Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Wednesday called on the United States and western countries to end international sanctions against Zimbabwe as part of his bid to start rebuilding the economy.
This was Tsvangirai first call for an end to sanctions which have devastated Zimbabwe's economy.
In his maiden speech to Parliament on Wednesday the Prime Minister, who is also the MDC-T party's leader said he was grateful for the assistance the international community has rendered to the inclusive Government thus far.
"We are grateful for the support that this new Government has received already from the international community," said Tsvangirai.
He added: "I ... urge the international community to recognise our efforts and note the progress that we make in this regard and to match our progress by moving towards the removal of restrictive measures."
Critics had criticised the MDC-T leader for remaining mum on the crucial issue of illegal decalred and undeclared sanctions against Zimbabwe, which many people prefer to call "smart" sanctions.
The United States and European Union have put in place sanctions against certain individuals close to President Mugabe and Zimbabwean companies. The notorious Zimbabwe Democracy Recovery (Zidera) Act passed by the US Congress in 2002 restricts US companies from trading with Zimbabwe.
Tsvangirai said Zimbabwe needed to re-establish relations with international donors.
"What we need is to fully re-establish relations with the international donor community, which will be respectful of our sovereignty, not a relationship essentially based on humanitarian assistance."
Tsvangirai said last month the cost of repairing the economy could be as much as $5 billion. But the new Finance Minister, who is also the Secretary General of the MDC-T party said US$2 billion is needed.
The regional Southern African Development Community (Sadc) held a Council of Ministers' meeting last week at which Zimbabwe's development assistance was one of the main agenda items.
The ministers called for an end to international sanctions against Zimbabwe.
South Africa’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma last week urged the west to lift the sanctions.
Addressing the Council of Ministers’ meeting, she said the formation of an inclusive Government in Zimbabwe had indeed paved the way for Zimbabweans to begin the process of national reconciliation, economic recovery, reconstruction and development.
"Accordingly, as the international community, we must create an enabling environment for the Zimbabwean people to succeed by, among others, lifting the sanctions imposed on the country," she said.
Sadc plans to hold a heads of state summit to consider financing proposals presented by Zimbabwe.
Labels: MORGAN TSVANGIRAI, SANCTIONS
posted by MrK @ 8:46 PM
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