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(TALKZIMBABWE) There are no political prisoners in Zimbabwe: Tsvangirai

There are no political prisoners in Zimbabwe: Tsvangirai
Philip Murombedzi
Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:17:00 +0000

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai (L) and his Dutch counterpart, Prime Minister Jan-Peter Balkenende answer questions during a press meeting in the Hague June 8, 2009. REUTERS

PRIME Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has told Dutch TV that he has a "workable relationship" with President Mugabe and dismissed allegations that there were political prisoners held in Zimbabwe jails.

In his first Western TV interview since the formation of the inclusive Government in February this year, PM Tsvangirai said that Zimbabwe has been isolated for the last ten years and it was time for the international community to consider supporting the country.

He said one of the reasons why he was on an international state visit was for Zimbabwe to be accepted as "a normal democratic country" and wanted the Western countries to review their position with regards to Zimbabwe.

He also said although he was disappointed that there were still "outstanding issues" regarding the central bank governor and the attorney general's appointments; he understands that "we (the leadership) have to navigate those sensitivities".

Quizzed on the fate of "political prisoners" in the country's jails, PM Tsvangirai dismissed allegations that there were political prisoners in Zimbabwe.

"As far as I know today, there are no political prisoners in Zimbabwe. If there is a due process of the law, it must be followed.

"We understand the sensitivities around these issues and we are managing them. The leadership understands the challenges around co-habitation."

On the issue of human rights abuse allegations against President Mugabe and his Zanu PF party, PM Tsvangirai said: "What you may regard as an invasion or violation of human rights may actually be something that you need to manage in order for the outside to see through that we are actually hurting ourselves than creating conditions that are better for ourselves."

He said there are no more political activists of the MDC-T party still in prison.

PM Tsvangirai described his relationship with President Mugabe as a "workable relationship" and said the two leaders have realised the burden of responsibility on their shoulders and people expect them to have an "irreversible progress towards change".

He said President Mugabe has demonstrated that he is committed to "the spirit and letter of the (Global Political) Agreement" and that they are both motivated by the "same objective and the same goal" and we must never lose sight of the goal.

"We are moving from a very acrimonious relationship to a relationship where we can have productive discussions. It's an extraordinary relationship."

PM Tsvangirai said the accident that killed his wife, Mrs Susan Tsvangirai, was genuine and that "there are no further investigations" and dismissed any speculation that Zanu PF had been somewhat involved in that accident or that it had any ulterior motive.

"In our culture when there is a death, we forget about our personal differences and rally behind those visited by the misfortune. That's our culture. I respect those kinds of words of condolence from him (President Mugabe)."

He added that the passing of his wife, to a great extent, might have united Zimbabweans.

"Every Zimbabwean poured their grief over the passing of Susan and her passing might have united Zimbabweans."

PM Tsvangirai left Harare on Saturday for a state visit that will take him to the United States and Europe.

He has been tasked by the inclusive Government to call for the removal of sanctions and seek a financial package to revive the economy. In a separate interview, the PM said he was seeking re-engagement, not touring with a "begging bowl" asking for aid.

This is his first visit overseas since the formation of the inclusive Government with President Robert Mugabe and MDC factional leader, Arthur Mutambara.

His three-week state visit will take him to France, Sweden, Britain, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Denmark and the US.

posted by MrK @ 1:57 PM