PM tells Australia to suspend sanctions
22/07/2012 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter
PRIME Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has called for Australia to suspend crippling sanctions against Zimbabwe adding the measures could be re-imposed if free and fair elections are not conducted on schedule. Tsvangirai, who is on a three-day official visit to Canberra, said lifting the sanctions would be a signal of faith in on-going reform efforts.
"There was a time when any restrictive measures (were) an incentive for good behaviour, but I think that we are past that. I think we have gone beyond what they can contribute positively," he said.
"Suspend these measures, but tie them to free and fair elections," he said. "And, if the election is free and fair, fine ... remove them permanently."
Speaking at a lunch hosted by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Tsvangirai said while Zimbabwe had endured a "very dark and unfortunate history", the inclusive government in which he is prime minister was a step towards rectifying past political problems.
"I am hoping that with your assistance, and with the assistance of all the goodwill in the international community, we should be able to rescue the country," he said.
"My visit here has been largely to explain to the political leadership and the business community that Zimbabwe is ready to re-engage, to re-engage with the international community as a member of the international community and not just as a pariah state."
The MDC-T leader formed a coalition government with veteran President Robert Mugabe following violent but inconclusive elections in 2008.
"We had a stalemate. I had the support of the people, they had the guns," he said.
Asked if there were dangers in now lifting bans on military exports to Zimbabwe, Tsvangirai said the period of power-sharing had helped calm political tensions.
"I think the transition has removed a lot of barriers of suspicion, of polarisation. I think the country is moving towards accepting ... even the military ... accepting the overall civilian authority as the constitutional position,” he said.
“That way, it doesn't slide the country back again into isolation. Even the military will benefit from a thriving economy."
Tsvangirai said Australia's mining expertise was needed in Zimbabwe and business should again look at investment in his country.
"The country has been isolated for the past 10 years. This is our attempt at re-engagement," he said.
"Africa is going through a very delicate transition from the old Africa of dictators, of nationalisation and poverty. I think it's going through a very optimistic time."
Tsvangirai said Australia’s cricket squad would be welcome in the country.
The Australia A team toured last year, but the senior XI has not been since 2004.
***
COMMENTS
Carlistus16
What sanctions is Tsvangirai now talking about? Him and the MDC-T all along made us believe there were just restrictive measures on Mugabe and his inner circle? New Zimbabwe it may be helpful to unquote some of his denials in earlier speeches, just to assess who has all along told lies to Zimbabweans while we suffered under the guise of his co-habits. And may this be sold to all democratic Zimbabweans.
*
bantu_biko2
How long do you think he could keep fooling us ?W Ncube on his last interview said it straight. "We asked for sanctions but we didnt know they were going to involve companies"
*
BobZim
"Suspend these measures, but tie them to free and fair elections," he said. "And, if the election is free and fair, fine ... remove them permanently."
What the idiot is implying is suspend the sanctions now and if I loose reinstate them! We all know that these power mad MDC hooligans are at. Manje manyangira yaona! Hapana chinobuda gore rino ne varungu venyuvo!
*
Rafique702
Majaira jambanja vanhu veZanu....you will never win an election fair fair..NEVER
*
Gatsheni Khumalo
The man vying for the presidency has travelled all the way to Australia to be Mugabe's messenger. What a pathetic pretender of a politician. I hope he has time to get a few lessons from Tony Abott.
*
Mafiravanhu
uyu munhu anonzi tsvangirai azobuda pachenandiyo honzeri yematambudziko ese here aya vakomana ndirikuda kumumuona kuuya kwake
*
Mampara_Jexe
Morgan will never rule Zimbabwe. TB Joshua, his trusted medium even told him that. Ndumiso Dabengwa is a better candidate!
*
Whyisvm
Morgan , i can tell you all those Zanu pf so called armed forces & CIOs are shitting themselves right now , they know you are surely on your way to the highest office in this country .
*
FuturePresident
This man is very stupid. Sanctions should go unconditionally period!! At least don't say it in public that you want sanctions later on, lest they think all Africans are silly & unwise.
*
FuturePresident
This man is very stupid. Sanctions should go unconditionally period!! At least don't say it in public that you want sanctions later on, lest they think all Africans are silly & unwise.
*
AFROboy
Tsvangirai looking more like a statesman and president in waiting..would be good to get rid of Zanu PF,but still not a man that I think is the best leader for our country..''anyone but Mugabe would be a start..
*
Carlistus16
Just a thought, Mr Prime Minister, you be careful of Roy Bennett and his Rhodii thugs. He sure is not gonna take your overtures smiling. Hope you dont blame it all on Mugabe?
*
AFROboy
sop living in the past..we have white and black Zimbabweans..
No comments:
Post a Comment