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(TALKZIMBABWE) Inclusive Government hampered by sanctions: Mutambara

Inclusive Government hampered by sanctions: Mutambara
Herald/TZG
Wed, 08 Apr 2009 05:49:00 +0000

THE Deputy Prime Minister in the inclusive Government of Zimbabwe says sanctions imposed by Germany and other European Union countries are affecting everybody including cabinet ministers.

Prof Arthur Mutambara said the sanctions were affecting the work of the inclusive Government as well as the ordinary people.

Mutambara made these comments at a meeting with German Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Albrecht Conze, who had paid him a courtesy call at his Munhumutapa offices.

He told the German ambassador it was misplaced to argue the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe were targeted when they affect ordinary people.

Mr Conze said his country was still observing political developments in the country and would consider lifting what he regarded as "personal measures" slapped on some individuals in reference to sanctions imposed by his country.

Mutambara said: "It’s a misnomer to say they are personal measures because they are impacting on ordinary persons. They (the sanctions) are so meaningless because people targeted are team members of Prime Minister Tsvangirai. If Zimbabweans say we no longer want these sanctions, who is Germany or any Western country or European Union to judge and impose them?"

Mutambara said it was important that Zimbabweans determine their destiny without external interference.

"We want to work with Europe. We should determine the rules of this game, respect us, don’t patronise us. We Zimbabweans have decided on a journey; it’s not for anyone to judge it," he said.

"Germany is observing with strict interest and increased sympathy. We want to see tangible progress in areas like full restoration of the rule of law, respect of BIPAs (Bilateral Investment Protection Agreements.)"

Herald/TZG

Labels: ARTHUR MUTAMBARA, SANCTIONS, ZDERA

posted by MrK @ 4:50 PM