(NEWZIMBABWE, BLOOMBERG) Diamond exports can start immediately: EU
10/10/2013 00:00:00
by Bloomberg
THE European Union’s representative in Zimbabwe said the country can resume exports of diamonds mined in Marange to the 28-member bloc after sanctions were lifted last month.
“They can start immediately,” Aldo Dell’Ariccia, the head of the European Union delegation, said Wednesday on the side-lines of a Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries meeting in Bulawayo.
A Belgian delegation of diamond buyers, cutters and polishers is expected to arrive in the country before the end of this month, he said.
The EU last month ended sanctions against the state-owned Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation which operates five mining companies on a 50:50 joint venture basis with private investors in the eastern Marange district.
Advocacy groups including Ontario-based Partnership Africa Canada, have accused Zimbabwe’s ruling party of looting about $2 billion from the Marange fields, partly to fund the nation’s military.
Lifting sanctions is expected to boost Zimbabwe’s tax revenue by $400 million a year, according to the EU.
The bloc wants to ensure that some polishing and cutting of the gems is done in Zimbabwe so that “more value-added remains in the country,” Dell’Ariccia said. “Now we don’t have restrictive measures anymore against ZMDC, European investors and specialists can see what can be done.”
Zimbabwe is expected to mine 16.9 million carats this year, according to Mines Ministry estimates. Last year, the country produced 8 million carats, generating $685 million of revenue.
Labels: ALDO DELL'ARICCIA, BELGIUM, DIAMONDS, EU, SANCTIONS, ZDERA
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(NEWZIMBABWE) Zimbabwe reads riot act to EU envoy
10/09/2013 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter
THE European Union Head of Delegation to Zimbabwe Ambassador Aldo Dell’Ariccia has been forced to apologise after asking for a meeting with judges hearing the MDC-T’s election petitions. Dell’Ariccia was summoned by the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Monday and warned about his future conduct.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ambassador Joey Bimha, said: “We explained to him that what he did was wrong and unacceptable, and he apologised. He made a commitment that next time he will observe the right procedures.
“The point of contact for all ambassadors is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and contacting arms of government without going through the ministry is interference in the affairs of the hosting State.”
Dell’Ariccia wrote to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court Walter Chikwana on August 29 saying: “I would hereby like to kindly request your support in facilitating the organisation of meetings with members of the Constitutional and Electoral Courts in order to exchange views on electoral petitions.
“The delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Zimbabwe would be available for such a meeting between 3, 4 and 6 September 2013.”
But the EU envoy has now admitted that his actions were without diplomatic precedence.
He blamed an “administrative oversight” for the gaffe and said he had written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to apologise.
Chikwana had already rejected Dell’Ariccia’s request, telling him that “members of the Constitutional Court and Electoral Court do not hold meetings with anybody other than the litigants or their legal representatives regarding matters that are pending before the respective courts.”
As Dell’Ariccia was making a request to Chikwana, an EU delegation was meeting then Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa. But the minister said he was unaware of the written request to meet judges at the time.
“They presented themselves to me as experts on electoral issues who had been mandated by the EU to make assessment of our electoral system. They said they make such assessments the world over and they wanted to interact with me over our electoral system, which is what happened in that meeting,” Chinamasa said.
“At the end of the meeting, they then asked, through Giles Entikap, their charge d’affaires who was accompanying them, if I could clear a meeting of this group with judges of the Electoral Court and judges of the Constitutional Court.
“I must say, I blew my top. It’s unheard of that you have people coming to meet with your judiciary over matters which are before them or even on any other matter. Judges do not decide policy, if issues to be discussed were about policy.
“I was very angry that they would have the temerity to ask for a meeting with judges before whom are election petitions. I told them off that this was unacceptable because they are seeking to influence the courts in their consideration of matters which are before them.
“I don’t even meet the judges even as minister and no-one else in Zimbabwe does that and yet you have these people from the European Union, which we all know has basically condemned our elections, coming and wanting to meet these judges when all of us know that there are election petitions pending.”
Labels: ALDO DELL'ARICCIA, EU, JOEY BIMHA
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(SUNDAY MAIL ZW) EU ambassador in trouble
Sunday, 08 September 2013 00:00
Munyaradzi Huni
The European Union Head of Delegation to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Aldo Dell’Ariccia, has sparked a diplomatic row with Harare after he wrote a letter to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court requesting to hold a meeting with judges from the Electoral and Constitutional courts “to exchange views on electoral petitions.”
The request for the meeting has been described by the outgoing Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Cde Patrick Chinamasa, as “totally unacceptable” in diplomatic circles while a legal expert has said the move by the ambassador was “very shocking” and based on total disrespect for African institutions.
In his letter dated, August 29 2013, addressed to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mr Walter Chikwana, Ambassador Dell’Ariccia wrote saying:
“I would hereby like to kindly request your support in facilitating the organisation of meetings with members of the Constitutional and Electoral Courts in order to exchange views on electoral petitions.
The delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Zimbabwe would be available for such a meeting between 3, 4 and 6 September 2013.
“The following persons will participate to the meetings on behalf of the European Union:“— Mr Giles Entikap, charge d’affaires
“— Ms Vazquez-Horyaans, head of section
“— Ms Isabelle Ribot, attaché
“— Mr Armin Rabitsch, consultant
“— Ms Gaelle Deriaz, consultant. . .”
On September 3 2013, Mr Chikwana responded:
“Reference is made to your minute dated 29th of August 2013.
“Your letter was forwarded to the Honourable Chief Justice who has authorised me to give the following response:
“Members of the Constitutional Court and Electoral Court do not hold meetings with anybody other than the litigants or their legal representatives regarding matters that are pending before the respective courts.
“Accordingly, it would be inappropriate for me to facilitate the meeting you have requested.”
While Ambassador Dell’Ariccia was trying to conceal his “undiplomatic” request through the letter to Mr Chikwana, a junior officer in his office, Mr Entikap, was busy implementing an even more provocative Plan B that left Cde Chinamasa seething with anger.
Last Wednesday Mr Entikap led a delegation comprising the EU officials listed above to a meeting with Cde Chinamasa at the Zanu-PF Headquarters where he misrepresented facts, saying the delegation comprised of experts on electoral issues.
The delegation was meeting Cde Chinamasa in his capacity as Zanu-PF deputy secretary for legal affairs and they left the meeting an embarrassed lot after they were dressed down.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail last Friday, Cde Chinamasa explained:
“They presented themselves to me as experts on electoral issues who had been mandated by the EU to make assessment of our electoral system. They said they make such assessments the world over and they wanted to interact with me over our electoral system, which is what happened in that meeting.
“At the end of the meeting, they then asked, through Mr Entikap who was accompanying them, if I could clear a meeting of this group with judges of the Electoral Court and judges of the Constitutional Court.
“I must say, I blew my top. It’s unheard of that you have people coming to meet with your judiciary over matters which are before them or even on any other matter. Judges do not decide policy, if issues to be discussed were about policy.
“I was very angry that they would have the temerity to ask for a meeting with judges before whom are election petitions.
“I told them off that this was unacceptable because they are seeking to influence the courts in their consideration of matters which are before them.
“And that they are seeking to sway them in a particular direction and that they are undermining, by their very request, the independence of the judiciary. This is a matter which goes to the core of the judiciary.
“I don’t even meet the judges even as minister and no one else in Zimbabwe does that and yet you have these people from the European Union, which we all know has basically condemned our elections, coming and wanting to meet these judges when all of us know that there are election petitions pending.
“So I told them off. What I didn’t know was that when they said they wanted me to clear the meeting, they had already written to the Chief Registrar requesting him to facilitate the meeting.
“Fortunately, the registrar responded and he gave them the correct position. A court cannot have meetings to discuss cases pending before them with people other than the litigants if they are not represented or with their legal representatives. Where they are not represented, yes, the court can meet the litigants, but where they are represented, it’s not even right for the court to meet litigants alone without the presence of their legal practitioners. It’s unheard of. What has been sought here is basically uncouth, undemocratic and it undermines the independence of the judiciary.”
Cde Chinamasa accused the EU of double standards, saying the request clearly showed that the regional grouping has no respect for the country’s institutions.
“This is coming from the very countries which boast of promoting the rule of law, which boast of promoting the independence of the judiciary and they are on the forefront of undermining our judiciary. You can understand the double standards, the duplicity of these countries. They don’t respect our institutions. They wouldn’t do this in their own countries or allow anyone else, let alone anyone else from outside their countries, including ambassadors to meet their judges to discuss cases which are pending before those judges. So it’s very clear that they have no respect for our institutions and they practise double standards,” explained a visibly angry Cde Chinamasa.
He said after discovering that their sinister move had been shot down, Mr Entikap later apologised and left the meeting embarrassed.
“When they discovered that their request had provoked me, they said, ahh, no we understand. They were apologetic, but very embarrassed. They seemed quite surprised by my quick and angry reaction. They were shocked that I responded in that fashion, but it was a correct response. We should not allow other people, other countries to come and undermine our institutions here,” said Cde Chinamasa.
One of the country’s top lawyers, Mr Terrence Hussein, expressed shock that Ambassador Dell’Ariccia had the guts to write such an undiplomatic letter.
“I am really, really, surprised that the ambassador did such a thing. It’s unheard of to do that. The Zimbabwean ambassador to Belgium or any other country for that matter, an ambassador for any country can never dream of writing such a letter to the Chief Justice of any country because it’s undiplomatic.
“If there was any need, the ambassador should have written to the Minister of Justice, who is the political face of the justice system in Zimbabwe. The Supreme Court of the US or any country in the world would not accept such a letter from an ambassador or anyone. It’s just not done. I don’t know whether it’s ignorance or what, but on this one, the ambassador was badly advised,” said Mr Hussein.
Constitutional law expert Professor Lovemore Madhuku at first was too stunned to hear that Ambassador Dell’Ariccia could do such an “unthinkable thing.”
“It’s really shocking that the ambassador did that. I just can’t believe it because the request does not make sense from both the diplomatic and legal point of view. I, however, think this request was done out of disrespect of institutions that exist not only in Zimbabwe but Africa. Such a thing is unthinkable outside Africa. The judiciary does not discuss any matters with anyone.
“If anyone wants to know what the judges think, he or she reads the judgment on the particular case. Judges are not allowed to discuss pending or cases resolved by themselves. That way the independence of the judiciary is guaranteed,” said Prof Madhuku.
He said the response from the Chief Justice was “correct in principle but was too polite for this kind of interference. I think the Chief Justice should have ignored the letter and hand it over to the Executive which was supposed to tell the ambassador to go to hell.”
The undiplomatic request by Ambassador Dell’Ariccia comes hard on the heels of the “blatant lie” by the British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ms Deborah Bronnert, who made claims on Sky News soon after the July 31 elections that 10 000 voters were assisted to vote in a constituency where 17 000 voters cast their vote.
Ms Bronnert had been stung by Zanu-PF and President Mugabe’s resounding victory and when she was confronted to substantiate her claims, she failed to do so, drawing brickbats from many Zimbabweans.
“This (disrespect for African institutions) is a new form of imperialism that Africa should fight with the same determination and stamina that was shown by those who fought to liberate the continent,” concluded Prof Madhuku.
Labels: ALDO DELL'ARICCIA, LOVEMORE MADHUKU, PATRICK CHINAMASA
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US$800m new projects approved: ZIA
14/10/2012 00:00:00
by Brian Paradza
MORE than a hundred and thirty new investment projects worth about US$800 million have been approved this year, the Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) has revealed.
Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) chief executive, Richard Mbaiwa, said most of the new investments were earmarked for the country’s mining and manufacturing sectors.
“We have processed over 135 projects this year valued over US$800 million. But these are just approvals, nothing is yet on the ground but we hope to see all the projects taking off soon,” Mbaiwa told newzimbabwe.com.
The ZIA chief was speaking on the side-lines of the recent Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) International Business Opportunities conference in Harare.
He said Zimbabwe needs to continue attracting foreign direct investment, particularly from the region, to fire up recovery and growth if the target of a US$100 billion dollar economy is to be achieved.
“We need more of regional investments from other African countries,” he said.
“We need to exploit the existing opportunities for investment and trade within the region before we look and the international community. We need to promote cross border investment as an answer to limited international investment.”
ZNCC vice president for Harare region, Davison Norupiru, said there was need for more intra-Africa trade and investment adding local companies need to dispense with the belief that investment only comes from the West.
“Companies need to get over the mentality that investment only comes from European countries, business opportunities exist in neighbouring countries,” he said.
“This year we invited over 10 African ambassadors to discuss with the local business community investment and trade opportunities in their countries and how we can exploit each other’s potential. The goal is to promote cross-border investment,” he said.
Still, EU ambassador to Zimbabwe, Aldo Dell'Ariccia said Europe was keen to do business with Zimbabwe and welcomed amendments to the country’s empowerment legislation to exempt new investment from the 51 percent local equity threshold.
He however added that the legislative framework needed to be clearer and not prohibitive of foreign investment.
“Zimbabwe can become the economic hub (of the region) once the legislative framework becomes clear,” he said.
“A few things have to be done in order to attract investors from the EU including issues to do with the BIPPA arrangements and the legislation governing investment.
“We welcome the new announcements by the Minister of Finance regarding amendments to section 3 of the Indigenisation and Empowerment Act we urge the government to continue on that path.”
Labels: ALDO DELL'ARICCIA, RICHARD MBAIWA, ZIA (ZW)
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Zimbabwe, EU trade doubles
Friday, 30 March 2012 00:00
Martin Kadzere Senior Business Reporter
TRADE between Zimbabwe and the European Union doubled during the past two years with the European trade bloc now looking at deepening economic ties with Harare, an envoy said yesterday. EU trade with Zimbabwe amounted to US$860 million last year with
a positive trade balance of US$271 million in favour of Zimbabwe.“The EU is looking forward to further deepening relations with Zimbabwe, evolving in the longer term towards a partnership that includes trade and investment,” said the EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Aldo Dell’Ariccia.
He was addressing delegates during a business session held before the launch of industrial and trade policies by President Mugabe yesterday.
The EU is Zimbabwe’s second largest trading partner after South Africa.
Recently, the EU invited Zimbabwe to resume re-engagement talks to explore ways of normalising relations.
The invitation came at a time the European bloc has removed a number of individuals and companies from its illegal sanctions list.
But the EU extended sanctions on certain people and companies for another six months.
Mr Dell’Ariccia said the EU was working towards attracting the attention of business in Europe to explore trade and investment opportunities in Zimbabwe.
He said with the recent ratification of the interim Economic Partnership Agreement, Zimbabwe exports to EU would continue to enjoy the privileged duty-free and quota-free access.
Madagascar, Seychelles, Mauritius and Zimbabwe signed the EPA with the EU in August 2009.
The deal was a stepping stone towards a full and comprehensive EPA that continues to be negotiated and remains open to other Africa countries.
The agreement provides for safeguard clauses and an additional safety net that allows countries to take measures to protect their industries and strategic sectors,
such as food security and rural development.
It would also facilitate access to EU technology and investment as well as access to technical assistance and capacity building in areas such as trade and private sector development.
In addition, the agreement will promote the diversification of value-added exports to the EU.
Mr Dell’Ariccia said the launch of the trade and industrial policies would ensure a conducive policy environment for investors to do business in Zimbabwe.
The trade policy seeks to increase export earnings by at least 10 percent, from US$4,3 billion last year to about US$7 billion in 2016.
It also seeks to promote value addition of primary commodities in all sectors and restoring the manufacturing sector’s contribution to export earnings, from the current 16 percent to 50 percent by 2016.
In addition, it would enhance trade facilitation to reducing trade flow barriers, consolidate existing export markets and provide guidance on trade policy instruments, such as tariffs, non-tariffs and trade defence mechanisms.
The industrial policy seeks to restore the manufacturing sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product, from the current 15 percent to 30 percent and contribution to exports from 26 percent to 50 percent in the next three years.
The targets are in line with the Medium Term Plan. Some of the objectives of the industrial policy are employment creation, increasing capacity utilisation to 80 percent, re-equiping industries and increasing manufactured exports to the Sadc region and Comesa.
Labels: ALDO DELL'ARICCIA, COMESA, EU, ZIMBABWE
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EU thaws on sanctions
Saturday, 18 February 2012 00:00
Herald Reporter
THE European Union has removed 51 people, including journalists and politicians, and 20 companies from the sanctions list. The bloc will also write to President Mugabe this weekend to facilitate serious re-engagement with Zimbabwe.
EU ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Aldo Dell'Ariccia said this yesterday while announcing the extension of the illegal economic sanctions on Zimbabwe by six months.
He said the EU had also suspended travel restrictions against Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and Justice and Legal Affairs Minister Patrick Chinamasa to enable the proposed dialogue to take place effectively.
"The European Commission and Council are also informing the President of Zimbabwe, President Mugabe, that the EU wishes to invite Zimbabwe to an intensified political dialogue," he said.
"In order to define further steps of normalising relations between EU and Zimbabwe, the EU has lifted the travel ban to two Zanu-PF ministers.
"This is a decision that has been taken, which is of immediate application and a letter will be sent to President Mugabe informing him of the decision."
A six-member committee was set up at the formation of the inclusive Government to spearhead dialogue to normalise relations between EU and Zimbabwe, but its efforts were frustrated by reluctance on the part of the Europeans.
Minister Chinamasa was held up at Frankfurt International Airport for over eight hours on his way to Belgium for the talks over visa issues on two occasions.
Other members of the committee include Finance Minister Tendai Biti, Energy and Power Development Minister Elton Mangoma (both MDC-T) and Regional Integration and International Cooperation Minister Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga and Organ of National Healing co-chair Moses Mzila Ndlovu (both MDC).
EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said the removal of individuals from the sanctions list was in light of developments in the country.
"It (EU) also welcomes progress made towards the creation of a conducive environment for the holding of free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections through the development of the roadmap sponsored by Sadc.
"It pays tribute to the efforts of Sadc and the South African facilitator (President Jacob Zuma) in accompanying the Zimbabwean people along that road," she said.
Those removed from the list are General Solomon Mujuru and former Harare Governor David Karimanzira, who are both late.
The two were declared national heroes and are interred at the National Heroes Acre.
Mr Dell'Ariccia attributed the removal of the journalists to improvements in the media, though analysts say this could be a pre-emptive measure to kill a lawsuit lodged by the six in the Supreme Court challenging the legality of the embargo and suing for damages.
When non-constituency Senator Aguy Georgias sued the EU in the British High court, he became part of the 37 individuals who were struck off the sanctions list in 2011.
Sen Georgias described the move as a pre-emptive strike on his lawsuit and pledged to press on with the suit that is now pending at the European Court of First Instance.
Media personalities who were struck off the sanctions list include Zimbabwe Newspapers group editor-in-chief Pikirayi Deketeke, Herald deputy editor Caesar Zvayi, Sunday Mail assistant editor Munyaradzi Huni, ZBH chief executive Happison Muchechetere, chief correspondent Reuben Barwe, diplomatic correspondent Judith Makwanya, and freelancer Musorowegomo Mukosi.
Also struck off the list are Zimpapers board chairman Dr Paul Chimedza and group chief executive Mr Justin Mutasa as well as Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe chairman Dr Tafataona Mahoso.
The embargo that was imposed on Zimbabwe, a decade ago, for embarking on the land reform programme to resettle the landless majority, has brought untold suffering to ordinary citizens.
This also blocked local business from accessing lines of credit from international financiers.
Over 2,2 million Zimbabweans countrywide signed the National Anti-Sanctions Petition launched by President Mugabe in March last year.
The launch drew thousands people from all walks of life.
Sadc, Comesa, the African Union, the Non Aligned Movement and other progressive people and organisations the world over have denounced the illegal sanctions, which precipitated the economic meltdown of the past decade.
Name (and any aliases) and Number in Council
Decision 2011/101/CFSP
Barwe, Reuben 3
Bredenkamp, John Arnold 5
Chimbudzi, Alice 15
Chimedza, Paul 15
Chimutengwende, Chenhamo Chekezha 17
Chinamasa, Monica 18
Chiremba, Mirirai 24
Chitakunye, Eliphas 25
Chiwenga, Jocelyn 27
Chiwewe, Willard 29
Chiwese, George 28
Deketeke, Pikirayi 31
Dube, Tshinga Judge 33
Gumbo, Rugare Eleck Ngidi 36
Hungwe, Josaya (a.k.a. Josiah) Dunira 39
Huni, Munyaradzi 40
Karimanzira, David Ishemunyoro Godi 43
Kazembe, Joyce Laetitia 46
Kereke, Munyaradzi 47
Mahoso, Tafataona 58
Makwanya, Judith 59
Makwavarara, Sekesai 60
Manyonda, Kenneth Vhundukai 63
Matanyaire, Munyaradzi 67
Mavhaire, Dzikamai 72
Mbiriri, Partson 73
Mombeshora, Millicent Sibongile 79
Moyo, July Gabarari 82
Muchechetere, Happison 88
Mudzvova, Paul 96
Mugabe, Leo 98
Mujuru, Solomon TR 101
Mukosi, Musoro Wegomo 102
Mumbengegwi, Samuel Creighton 104
Mutasa, Gertrude 110
Mutasa, Justin Mutsawehuni 111
Mutiwekuziva, Kenneth Kaparadza 114
Muzenda, Tsitsi V. 116
Muzonzini, Elisha 117
Ncube, Abedinico 120
Ndlovu, Sikhanyiso ` 121
Nkala, Herbert 124
Nyawani, Misheck 128
Patel, Bharat 132
Rautenbach, Muller Conrad (a.k.a. Billy 134
Sakabuya, Morris 138
Samkange, Nelson Tapera Crispen 140
Sandi, Eunice Moyo 141
Shumba, Isaiah Masvayamwando 148
Utete, Charles 159
Zvayi, Caesar 163
ENTITIES (20)
Name (and any aliases) and Number in Council decision 2011/101/CFSP
Alpha International (Pvt) Ltd 1
Breco (Asia Pacifi) Ltd 2
Breco (Eastern Europe) Ltd 3
Breco (South Africa) Ltd 4
Breco (UK) Ltd 5
Breco Group 6
Breco International 7
Breco Nominees Ltd 8
Breco Services Ltd 9
Corybantes Ltd 12
Echo Delta Holdings 14
Masters Inernational Ltd 18
Ndlovu Motorways 19
Piedmont (UK) Ltd 21
Raceview Enterprises 22
Ridgepoint Overseases Developments Ltd (a.k.a Ridgepoint Overseas Developments Ltd) 23
Scottle Holdings (Pvt) Ltd 24
Scottlee Resorts Ltd 25
Timpani Export Ltd 27
Tremalt Ltd 28
Labels: ALDO DELL'ARICCIA, CAESAR ZVAYI, EU, JOHN BREDENKAMP, SANCTIONS, TAFATAONA MAHOSO
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EU chief denies Gukurahundi remarks
07/02/2012 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter I VOA
THE European Union’s chief envoy to Harare has insisted the EU appreciates how “present and painful the memory of Gukurahundi” remains in Matabeleland and denied claims he dismissed continuing anger over the sensitive issue as “an old song”.
The Bulawayo-based and state-run Sunday News claimed that Ambassador Aldo Dell'Ariccia suggested during meetings in Matebeleland that the 1980s Gukurahundi atrocities were an “old song” that should not be allowed to undermine development in the region.
The newspaper quoted Dell'Ariccia as allegedly saying “Gukurahundi has become so much of a tired song in Matabeleland”.
Matabeleland activists and Gukurahundi justice campaigners reacted angrily to the remarks with many accusing the ambassador of insulting victims of the conflict as well as people of the region in general.
Blasted one activist in an email to the Ambassador: “How dare you insult us? You owe us a very big apology. We lost our relatives during Gukurahundi; that’s an old song? Kids don’t have birth certificates; that's an old song?"
But in a statement to NewZimbabwe.com Tuesday Ambassador Dell'Ariccia denied making the remarks and accused the Sunday News of fabricating quotations attributed to him.
“None of the quotes reported as my alleged declarations to the Sunday News' article are accurate,” he said.
“I presume that the dissemination of false declarations obeys to a strategy of defamation of the European Union and tries to create animosity between us and the people of Matabeleland.
And in an interview with VOA’s Violet Gonda, Dell'Ariccia added: "I have never ever in my life used those words. On top of it it’s not even in my vocabulary.
“What I did say is that the people of Matabeleland have an installed capacity in terms of manpower and again with confidence look at the future and their contributions in the overall development of the region."
Political analyst Nkululeko Sibanda, lecturer of Global and African Politics at the UK-based University of Huddersfield told VOA that the Sunday News report was deliberate propaganda by Zanu PF.
He said the alleged statements were clearly out of character for the EU and especially for a career diplomat who would naturally choose their words very carefully.
The EU delegation moved its senior staff to Bulawayo for a week beginning January 30 as part of a programme aimed at “engaging with local economic, social and political actors”.
“The visit and the interaction with the different stakeholders gave us also the opportunity to get a better knowledge about the region and its history; we have in particular been very perceptive of the importance that the past events in the region have for the present and the future development of Matabeleland,” Ambassador Dell'Ariccia.
Human rights groups say more than 20 000 civilians were killed in the Matebeleland and Midlands regions in the early 1980s when then Prime Minister Robert Mugabe dispatched a crack army unit trained by North Korea to put down what was said to be a dissident menace.
Mugabe has not apologised for the killings, only describing them as a moment of madness. Again the findings of a commission he appointed to probe the killings were never made public. Neither were its recommendations acted upon.
Ambassador Dell'Ariccia said his delegation's one-week stay in Matebeleland had enabled his delegation to understand the strength and depth of feeling in the region over the issue.
“We had indeed the opportunity of having a first-hand impression on how present and painful the memory of Gukurahundi is in the mind and spirit of the people of Matabeleland and how this cannot be ignored when conceiving the future development of the region,” he said.
Labels: ALDO DELL'ARICCIA, EU, GUKURAHUNDI
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COMMENT - I don't respect this coming from the EU commissioner, this is a matter for the Zimbabwean people to resolve amongst themselves. At the same time, shame on the MDC for trying to milk this as a campaign issue. Again and again, they have proven the MDC really doesn't care, they just think they can get mileage out of it.
Gukurahundi now tired song: EU envoy
05/02/2012 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter
THE people of Matebeleland should focus on developing the region instead of continuing to nurse an abiding anger over the 1980s Gukurahundi atrocities, the European Union’s chief envoy to Harare has said.
The EU delegation moved its senior staff to Bulawayo for a week beginning January 30 as part of a programme aimed at “engaging with local economic, social and political actors”.
Officials said the move would help “assert publicly and clearly (the mission’s) commitment to the development of the region as well as to seek insights and ideas for the future prospects of engagement in Matabeleland.”
However, mission chief Aldo Dell'Ariccia’s remarks about the sensitive Gukurahundi issue are unlikely to help strengthen that engagement.
According to the Bulawayo-based Sunday News Dell'Ariccia said the issue of “Gukurahundi has become so much of a tired song in Matabeleland”.
“We should focus more on developing the region rather than continuously blaming underdevelopment and marginalisation on the issue.
“People should look ahead and let not history hinder the process and prospect of developing the region.”
Rights groups say some 20,000 civilians were killed in the Midlands and Matebeleland provinces when the then Prime Minister Robert Mugabe deployed a North Korea-trained army brigade to put down what officials described as a dissident menace in the regions.
Mugabe has not apologised for the killings, only describing them as a moment of madness.
[Talking point! Anyone who is serious about knowing what happened should read the Report On The 1980's Disturbances In Matabeleland & The Midlands, by The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace In Zimbabwe's survey. - MrK]
Again, the findings of a commission of inquiry he established to investigate the issue were never made public or acted upon.
Still, Dell'Ariccia said continuing anger and frustration over the issue should not be allowed to hold the region back adding it was time to look to the future.
“When one is moving forward there is no need to continuously be looking back where you are coming from as it has the danger that you may stumble and fall and in the process fail to reach your intended destination,” he said.
“People should not dwell more on their past as there are no prospects of living in it again. The past should not be a barrier to development.”
Mugabe’s Zanu PF party remains divided over the issue with some leaders describing it as a “closed chapter” and “irreversible history” while others insist that victims should be compensated and those responsible for the atrocities made to account.
Labels: ALDO DELL'ARICCIA, EU, GUKURAHUNDI
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EU pledges to back poll outcome
27/12/2011 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter I VOA
THE European Union (EU) has said it will respect the results of elections widely expected early next year provided the vote is held in a free and fair environment.In an end-of-year address, EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe Aldo Dell'Ariccia told reporters that the EU wants the inclusive government to end all forms of violence and implement broad political reforms before heading to the polls. He also urged political parties to achieve closure on the many sticking points in the 2008 Global Political Agreement (GPA).
Regarding international election observers, Dell'Ariccia said the EU was interested in observing the vote, but will only do so if invited by Harare.
President Robert Mugabe has said no observer invitations will be issued to countries that have imposed sanctions on him and many of his Zanu PF associates.
[Or the government as a whole. You know, non-'targeted sanctions', like ZDERA. - MrK]
But Dell'Ariccia said the EU will be content to rely upon observation by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union, both guarantors of the GPA which underpins the power-sharing arrangement.
Zanu PF Member of Parliament for Mwenezi East, Masvingo province, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti, said the EU has come to realize that his party is more popular than the former opposition Movement for Democratic Change.
A spokesman for the MDC formation led by Industry Minister Welshman Ncube said the European Union's position shows it now respects the right of Zimbabweans to choose their leaders.
President Robert Mugabe has demanded fresh polls to end his power-sharing arrangement with rival and current Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai.
The Zanu PF leader claims the power-sharing deal is no longer workable, accussing his rivals of blocking key programmes such as the controversial indigenisation policy.
Tsvangirai insists new elections can only be held once political reforms have been implemented.
Labels: 2011 ELECTIONS (ZIMBABWE), ALDO DELL'ARICCIA, EU
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EU panics over Zim ultimatum
Saturday, 10 September 2011 23:43
By Tafadzwa Chiremba
PANIC has gripped the European Union (EU) following last week’s ultimatum issued by the Government for the regional bloc to justify the imposition of sanctions on Zimbabwe amid revelations that a top envoy from the grouping is expected in Harare tomorrow for talks with Zimbabwean authorities.
It has emerged that following a 14-day ultimatum by Attorney-General Mr Johannes Tomana, the EU resolved to dispatch its managing director for Africa, Mr Nick Wescott, who is expected to hold meetings with various groups.
Mr Wescott is the top diplomat for Africa in the EU external affairs services.
EU head of delegation to Zimbabwe Ambassador Aldo Dell’Ariccia yesterday confirmed Mr Wescott’s scheduled two-day visit.
However, he downplayed the purpose of the visit, saying it had nothing to do with the ultimatum.
“He is going to South Africa to attend the EU/SA summit and he decided to pass through Zimbabwe,” said Mr Dell’Ariccia.
However, sources said the visit was a swift reaction to a letter that was written by Mr Tomana questioning the legality of the sanctions on Zimbabwe, adding that it was not a coincidence.
It is understood that the EU envoy will hold talks with the MDC-T and initiate moves to remove names of some local officials on the sanctions list.
It is also understood that Mr Wescott will hold talks with NGOs, MDC and other organisations that are against Zanu-PF to gather malicious evidence to use against the country in the event that Zimbabwe goes ahead and sues for the illegal sanctions.
Mr Tomana’s letter exposed a manifest error in arriving at the imposition of sanctions. The AG revealed that the EU did not communicate its decision to people and companies placed on the sanctions list as is required by Article 6 (2) of the Council Decision.
“I have carried out a diligent inquiry and I have established that the Government of Zimbabwe and all the natural and legal persons and entities listed have neither received communication from the Council of European Union advising them of the Council Decision nor have they been informed of the grounds for their listing as subject to restrictive in terms of Article 6 (2),” read part of Mr Tomana’s letter.
There are 163 people and 31 companies listed on the EU sanctions list.
Mr Tomana argued that the grounds for placing the people on the sanctions list were insufficient and did not properly inform the Government and persons of the basis for being designated.
He gave the EU 14 days to justify the sanctions.
The letter was transmitted to the Cabinet of the President of the EU Council.
Ambassador Dell’Ariccia said Zimbabwe had to invite observers as well as adhere to an election roadmap if EU was to change its position on sanctions.
“The EU has been working towards the normalisation of the relations with Zimbabwe since the subscription of the Global Political Agreement by the three parties and the establishment of the Government of National Unity,” said Mr Dell’Ariccia.
“The EU remains willing to amend its measures at any time should further concrete positive developments take place. In particular, we consider a common understanding between the parties in Government on the necessary steps to be taken in the run-up to elections to be critically important for the democratic process in the country.”
Ambassador Dell’Ariccia said the EU could change its position on Zimbabwe if monitors were engaged before and during the next elections.
“The agreement and subscription by the principal on the credible roadmap to the elections, with a proper mechanism of robust monitoring by the regional partners — Sadc and the facilitator — would be considered as a very positive step by the EU and would have influence on the EU position on the restrictive measures,” he said.
Ambassador Dell’Ariccia’s assertion comes at a time when President Mugabe said Britain and European Union countries will not observe Zimbabwe elections because they have shown bias by imposing the illegal sanctions.
President Mugabe said this while receiving credentials from the new British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mrs Deborah Bronnert, at State House last Thursday.
The President said there was still room for re-engagement with the former coloniser now that the Conservatives were in power.
Analysts said the EU erred in that it did not give proper grounds for the continuation of sanctions, adding that the only source of evidence for EU were newspapers and their proxy NGOs.-The Sunday Mail
Labels: ALDO DELL'ARICCIA, EU, JOHANNES TOMANA, SANCTIONS
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Tsvangirai snubbed, EU ambassador starts work
By: TH-TZG
Posted: Thursday, November 11, 2010 10:55 am
THE European Union will adhere to the Vienna Convention on International Relations’ stipulations and ensure Zimbabwe’s Ambassador-designate to the EU, Mrs Margaret Muchada, starts her duties in Brussels, Belgium.
Addressing journalists after paying a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara in Harare yesterday, European Commission Head of Mission in Zimbabwe Ambassador Aldo Dell’Ariccia said the bloc would accept any envoy seconded from any country. He said such selections were an internal matter.
MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai recently wrote to the EU asking them not to recognise Ambassador Muchada, who was previously Zimbabwe’s top diplomat in Italy.
She now represents Zimbabwe in the EU and is also Ambassador to Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, replacing Ambassador Hurudza Punungwe, who died last year.
Ambassador Dell’Ariccia said: "We follow the Vienna Convention on International Relations on the accreditation of ambassadors.
"One has to fulfil the international processes as stipulated in the convention."
On elections, the EU envoy said the bloc would not interfere unless invited as observers.
"Elections are a matter of sovereignty and are internal. We can’t say whether a country is ready or not.
"As long as the mechanisms are in place then a country can progress with elections.
"We can see that Zimbabwe is carrying out some of the mechanisms.
"We will only participate if we are invited. If we are asked to support we are ready to do that," he said.
Ambassador Dell’Ariccia has been in Zimbabwe for two months.
He described the meeting with DPM Mutambara as long overdue.
The DPM said the onus to find solutions to Zimbabwe’s problems lies with its citizens.
He called on the EU to remove its illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe.
"We believe that the desired impact of sanctions is to damage the brand of a given country," he said.
DPM Mutambara said the EU should engage Zimbabwe as an equal without undue conditionalities.
"We are a sovereign country. We don’t want to be treated like children."
DPM Mutambara said scrapping off the widely discredited economic embargo would open investment opportunities for Zimbabwe.
He called on the EU to channel its funding through Government structures.
"You cannot develop a country through NGOs and civil society.
"Let us move from aid to investments because we are sick and tired of surviving on aid," he said.
Labels: ALDO DELL'ARICCIA, AMBASSADOR, ARTHUR MUTAMBARA, MORGAN TSVANGIRAI
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EU accepts Zim envoy
By Tinashe Farawo
The European Union will not interfere with Pre-sident Mugabe’s redeployment of ambassadors because the matter is internal, the recently appointed EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Aldo Dell’Ariccia, has said. In an interview last week, Mr Dell’Ariccia said the posting of diplomats should be left to individual sovereign states.
“This is a reflection of internal matters, which must be dealt with internally,” said Mr Dell’ Ariccia shortly after making his contribution on the sanctions on Zimbabwe debate organised by a local NGO.
In his contribution, Mr Dell’Ariccia said the EU would continue engaging Zimbabwe because it was strategic to the bloc’s economic interests.
Early last month, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai wrote letters to the UN, EU and South Africa demanding the expulsion of some recently redeployed diplomats in those countries.
South Africa did not respond to PM Tsvangi-rai’s letter.
MDC secretary-general Professor Welshman Ncube yesterday said problems could not be solved by writing letters to foreigners or addressing rallies.
“Yes, there are problems but they cannot be solved in the media or by writing letters to foreigners but through negotiations,” he said.
Prof Ncube distanced his party from the letters written to EU and SA.
“We do not subscribe to those letters written to various international bodies and governments because we believe in dialogue,” he said.
A fortnight ago, the United Nations dismissed the MDC-T leader’s plea for the world body not to recognise the deployment of Ambassador Chitsa-ka Chipaziwa as Zimbabwe’s Permanent Represe-ntative to the UN in New York.
UN deputy spokesperson Mr Farham Haq brushed aside PM Tsvangirai’s letter, arguing Ambassador Chipaziwa was properly accredited.
“The appointment of an ambassador is an internal matter for a member state which is to be decided upon in accordance with the provisions of its own domestic law.
“Ambassador Chipaziwa was properly accredited as Permanent Representative of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 28 June 2010.
“We will be bound by the letter of his accreditation until advised otherwise by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he said.
Mr Dell’Ariccia’s statement last week put to rest the debate on whether diplomats redeployed by President Mugabe should be accepted by those countries or not.
Speaking after Tuesday’s debate, political analyst Dr Tafataona Mahoso said it was shocking that the PM (Tsvangirai) still thought outsiders could solve the country’s internal problems.
“I find it quite offensive when the PM still thinks that our erstwhile enemies are our saviours, yet they have proved beyond any reasonable doubt that they don’t wish us well,” he said.
PM Tsvangirai also came under fire from his partners in the inclusive Government for trying to rope in foreigners in Zimbabwe’s internal affairs.
President Mugabe last month said PM Tsvangi-rai’s letters to the UN and other countries on the issue of ambassadors were mere politicking and “absolutely nonsensical,” pointing out that all due processes had been followed.
The President in May reassigned several serving diplomats in line with the Constitution.
Labels: ALDO DELL'ARICCIA, AMBASSADOR, EU, MDC, ROBERT MUGABE
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