(TALKZIMBABWE) President urges unity, says 'evil sanctions' hurting Zimbabweans
President urges unity, says 'evil sanctions' hurting ZimbabweansBy: Our reporter
Posted: Monday, August 9, 2010 6:10 pm
People hold a poster aimed at the USA, while listening to President Robert Mugabe's speech during Heroes Day Commemorations in Harare, Monday, Aug. 9, 2010. (AP Photo / Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
PRESIDENT Mugabe on Monday called on Zimbabweans to avoid unnecessary violence and focus on rebuilding the nation. The president also ruled out prosecuting those individuals involved in the 2008 violence that engulfed the country.
Both President Mugabe's Zanu-PF and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC-T party signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the aftermath of the violence admitting culpability for the violence.
"We have embarked in earnest on the process on a national healing and integration, for the sake of our children and prosperity," President Mugabe said in a national address in the capital, Harare, marking National Heroes' Day.
"I want to urge all of you to note that the process of reconciliation is national. It does not seek to ferret out supposed criminals for punishment but calls all of us to avoid the deadly snare of political conflict," he said.
"Guided by the spirit of tolerance, we should continue to work together in promoting peace and stability regardless of political or religious affiliation."
The president added: "“Disharmony, be it in political parties, business and churches, does not augur well for the health of the nation. We should not waste our energy in fighting each other but in safeguarding our sovereignty and independence.”
He said the government was putting in place measures to cushion vulnerable groups against the effects of the economic sanctions and would “soon” appoint members of a new body to oversee the fight against corruption.
“The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission will soon be sworn in once the necessary provisions have been made,” said President Mugabe.
Turning to the West, President Mugabe said declared and undeclared illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe since 2002 are responsible for the suffering of Zimbabweans, and should be lifted immediately.
He accused the European Union and the United States of "not being sincere" in the dialogue that has started since the formation of the inclusive Government last year.
"America and Britain are wrong,and EU should think again. No sooner had we started the re-engagement than we realized that the EU is far from being sincere, as the bloc keeps on shifting posts.
"The EU and the U.S. are keen to have our people continue suffering under the evil sanctions. Let all Zimbabweans unite on this matter and with one voice continue to demand their removal," said the veteran eader.
"We must not be timid to defend [sanctions]. I say sanctions must go. Zimbabwe will never be a colony again," President Mugabe said. He added that the nation's economy is growing steadily but is crippled by the illegal sanctions.
On Aug. 1, during a state funeral for his sister, Sabina, President Mugabe told Western nations to "go to hell" saying that they are interferring in Zimbabwe's internal affairs.
Labels: HEROES DAY, ROBERT MUGABE, SANCTIONS, ZDERA
posted by MrK @ 3:39 AM
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