(TALKZIMBABWE) Zuma accepts Zimbabwean envoy, despite MDC-T calls

Zuma accepts Zimbabwean envoy, despite MDC-T calls
By: Samantha Chidzero
Posted: Thursday, February 3, 2011 11:19 pm

SOUTH African President Jacob Zuma yesterday accepted Ambassador Phelekezela Mphoko’s credentials as Zimbabwe’s chief envoy to that country, despite calls by the MDC-T to reject the appointment.

MDC-T requested South Africa and EU countries not to recognise ambassadors constitutionally reassigned by President Mugabe last year. The EU snubbed the MDC-T request.

Accepting the credentials, President Zuma said he knew of Ambassador Mphoko’s “skills and capabilities”.

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Speaking after presenting his letters of credence, Ambassador Mphoko commended South Africa for standing by Zimbabwe in the face of illegal and ruinous Western sanctions on the county.

“Your country, South Africa, has proved to be an all-weather friend to Zimbabwe and has refused to support the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, and has instead demanded their immediate removal,” Ambassador Mphoko said.

He said he was honoured to stand in President Zuma’s presence.

MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai had written to President Zuma and several European foreign missions claiming the ambassadors posted last year were not constitutionally appointed.

The PM has indicated that he will not recognise Ambassador Mphoko as Zimbabwe’s new chief diplomat to South Africa.