(HERALD) Mujuru hits out at sanctions

Mujuru hits out at sanctions
Herald Reporter

ACTING President Joice Mujuru yesterday lamented sustained illegal sanctions by Britain, the USA and their Western allies, which continue to affect ordinary Zimbabweans.

Speaking after receiving donations of goods worth over US$10 000 from the Iranian Embassy at her Munhumutapa Building office, the Acting President hailed relations between Zimbabwe and Iran.

"Relations between our two countries date back to the days of our liberation struggle and I am happy to note that this is not the first time that Iran has donated goods to our people.

"However, there are other countries that have imposed illegal sanctions that are affecting the ordinary people of Zimbabwe," she said.

The Acting President said Iran has assisted Zimbabwe in various fields such as health and education, among others.

Among the goods that will be distributed to vulnerable groups in Bindura are medicines, food hampers and sports uniforms.

The goods will be handed over through the Bindura Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund.

In an interview after the handover, Iranian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Rasoul Momeni said the 90th donation from his country to the people of Zimbabwe was a symbolic gesture of solidarity between the two countries.

"We are also going to start a programme for an Islamic Charity Centre in Bindura while the Iranian embassy will also introduce an outreach clinic for the town," he said.

Mashonaland Central Governor and Resident Minister Martin Dinha commended efforts by Iran to assist the people of Zimbabwe.

"The donation shows that the Iranians are our true friends who share with us a common ideology against imperialism and American hegemony.

"This gesture shows that our relations are deeper. We are going to hand over these goods to the Bindura Municipality as a sign of inclusivity and for the benefit of the people.

"I would also like to urge the local authority to give the goods across the political divide and help the elderly, orphans, the disabled and vulnerable members of the community," he said.

Governor Dinha paid tribute to the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe through its leader, Sheikh Ishmael Duwa, for sourcing the goods.