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(HERALD) Anti-sanctions drive takes off

Anti-sanctions drive takes off
Tuesday, 01 March 2011 21:22
Herald Reporters

PRESIDENT Mugabe will today appe-nd the first signature to the National Anti-Sanctions Petition as Zimbabwe goes a step further in fighting the ille-gal Western sanctions on the country. He will lead the signing ceremony followed by Vice President John Nkomo.

Vice President Joice Mujuru - who will be out of the country on official business - has already signed. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and his deputies Arthur Mutambara and Thokozani Khupe are scheduled to sign after VP Nkomo.

They will be followed by the President of Senate Cde Edna Madzongwe, political parties' national chairpersons, Speaker of the House of Assembly Mr Lovemore Moyo, Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku and service chiefs.

Solidarity messages are expected from captains of industry and commer-ce, churches, traditional leaders and representatives from farmers' organisations.

While business leaders yesterday expressed their wish to be among the very first to sign, PM Tsvangirai's MDC-T is likely not to attend - something that will put under further scru-tiny the party's commitment to the Global Political Agreement in which they pledged to oppose sanctions.

Article IV of the GPA commits Zanu-PF and the two MDC formations to fighting the illegal sanctions.

The parties agreed that "all forms of measures and sanctions against Zimbabwe be lifted in order to facilitate a sustainable solution to the challenges that are currently facing Zimbabwe".

Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce president Mr Trust Chikohora said sanctions were affecting development assistance, tourism, foreign direct investment flows and trade.

He said the embargo was constrai-ning Zimbabwe's ability to access critical lines of credit.

"These are critical in boosting the country's current account, which in turn results in an increase in capital funding to kick-start the economy," he said.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president Mr Joseph Kanyekanye added: "I am going to sign the anti-sanctions petition voluntarily, willingly and based on conviction as sanctions are not appropriate for Zimbabwe."

He said the sanctions were unilateral and not consistent with international norms and values.

"They do not comply with the UN declarations or World Trade Organisation rules or the Cotonou Agreement that before a country takes action on sanctions there is a clause to be activated and there has to be dialogue to say there is justification for that to happen."

Zanu-PF non-constituency Senator Aguy Georgias - who has taken the European Union to court over sanctions - said the embargo had harmed ordinary people, contrary to claims that it is targeted at specific individuals.

"They are not targeted at all; the whole economy has been affected by the sanctions.
"Industry has failed to access lines of credit because of the sanctions while others have also failed to access markets.

"This has seen capacity utilisation going down and unemployment risi-ng," he said.
Political analyst Dr Maxwell Hove said the campaign was long over- due.
"Talking of a nation that has lost its currency as a result of sanctions is confirmation of the devastating effects of the embargo.

"The issue of sanctions is the most important principal that the inclusive Government should have addressed at its inception," he said.

Visiting Namibian Regional and Lo-cal Government Minister Jerry Eka-ndjo said his country supported the anti-sanctions campaign.

"Whatever injures Zimbabwe inju-res Namibia," he said.

Minister Ekandjo expressed his desire that other African leaders emulate President Mugabe when it comes to the welfare of his people.

"We must always remember that the enemies of Africa are still there and it is better for us in Africa to stand uni-ted."

Minister Ekandjo, who is Swapo's information and publicity secretary, will deliver a speech at the launch.

Zimbabwe National Liberation Supporters Association president Cde Collins Chipare urged Zimbabweans to make a huge statement against sanctions.

"The political covenant by some anti-Government elements with imperialists of the West to further extend sanctions against Zimbabwe is diabolic and satanic.

"The unholy political alliance to maintain sanctions on Zimbabwe betrays the spirit of inclusivity and objectives of the inclusive Government."

The ZRP has said its members will be out in full force to ensure that the launch is peaceful and not disrupted by unruly elements.

"The ZRP is going to fully deploy to ensure the people's security during the launch of the Zimbabwe Anti Sanctions campaign tomorrow (today).

"To ensure people's safety and security there is going to be no toyi toyi in the city centre both to and from the venue.

"Movement of people in large groups in the city centre will not be allowed as some people with agendas can join in and cause mayhem," said Harare police spokesperson Inspector James Sabau.

Insp Sabau said vehicles carrying people to the venue from the eastern suburbs should use Cripps, Coventry and Rekayi Tangwena roads.

He said Tangwena Road would be closed at the intersection with Samora Machel Avenue, while Robert Mugabe Road would be closed at the intersection with Rotten Row.

The launch will take place at the open car park outside Exhibition Park.

Government seeks at least two million signatures as a national statement that Zimbabweans are united against the embargo.

Progressive groups such as Sadc, the Sadc Parliamentary Forum, Comesa, the Pan African Parliament, the African Union and the Non-Aligned Movement have all previously slammed the sanctions.

Labels: ROBERT MUGABE, SANCTIONS

posted by MrK @ 5:16 PM