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(SUNDAY MAIL ZW) Inclusive Govt slams Hain’s sanctions call

Inclusive Govt slams Hain’s sanctions call
Thursday, 19 July 2012 00:00
Lloyd Gumbo Herald Reporter

THE inclusive Government has condemned British MP Peter Hain for moving a motion calling on his government to impose sanctions on Anjin Investments and maintaining existing ones.

The US has already imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe's three major producers of diamonds namely, Marange Resources, Mbada Diamond Mining and Anjin Investments.

Mr Hain said sanctions were supposed to be imposed on Anjin because of its links with Zimbabwe Defence Industries and Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation, which are already on the illegal embargoes.

Mr Hain’s call comes at a time President Mugabe has called for the complete removal of the illegal sanctions before the country can go for elections.

Zanu-PF spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo described Mr Hain’s call as ‘nonsensical’. He said Zanu-PF was not surprised by Mr Hain’s move considering that he had always spoken against his party and the Government.

“We are not going to be deterred on what we are doing because we are going ahead with the legal route that we have started at the EU court. Britain cannot continue to increase sanctions on Zimbabwe because they have already tried their best, but it has not worked.

“We call upon Zimbabweans from all walks of life and parties in the inclusive Government to condemn this war. Fortunately, all of us in Government share a common view that these sanctions must go,” Cde Gumbo said.

MDC-T deputy spokesperson Mr Joel Gabbuza also rapped Mr Hain.

“As a party we are jointly with other partners in the inclusive Government negotiating for the removal of the sanctions, so anything aimed at achieving the opposite is retrogressive,” said Mr Gabbuza.

“Diamond mining activities are being controlled by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and, if we are in compliance with what the KPCS want, then there is certainly no reason for the sanctions to be imposed on Anjin.”

Mr Gabbuza, who is also the Minister of Public Works, said his party’s position was that sanctions were not relevant since the inception of the inclusive Government. He said since imposing the sanctions on Zimbabwe was part of Britain’s foreign policy, the illegal embargoes were not necessary.

MDC director for policy, research and co-ordination Mr Qhubani Moyo said the sanctions were an impediment to economic growth.

“Our position as a party has always been clear that the continued existence of sanctions does not assist the economic recovery efforts of this country.
“We believe these sanctions have not achieved anything but have rather been used by some of our GPA partners to subvert compliance with some of the agreements.

“We have condemned the putting of diamond companies on sanctions because those are the companies that are supposed to be contributing a lot to our national budget,” Mr Moyo said.

Dr Charity Manyeruke, University of Zimbabwe lecturer in the Department of International Relations, said Mr Hain’s attempt was not there to serve Zimbabweans’ interests.

“This is a clear attempt of meddling in the welfare of Zimbabweans and is against their interests.

“Sustainable development for Zimbabwe in health care, education and general welfare is premised on the sale of our products like diamonds.

“Imposing sanctions against any of these products is equal to imposing sanctions against the welfare of Zimbabweans,” she said.

Mr Hain on Tuesday claimed that Zimbabwean gems were “blood diamonds”. He called on European Union and Britain not to suspend or remove the sanctions.

“Instead of suspending sanctions at the behest of Zanu-PF, Monday’s EU Foreign Ministers meeting and the British government should argue for Sam Pa, Anjin and Sino Zimbabwe Development to be placed on the EU’s targeted sanctions list, and for the Zimbabwe Minerals Development Corporation to remain on the list.

“This should remain the case at least until the election, probably less than 12 months away has passed off peacefully,” Mr Hain said.

Labels: MDC, RUGARE GUMBO, SANCTIONS

posted by MrK @ 6:22 PM