Gvt criticises US sanctions renewal

Harare, (New Ziana) – The government on Thursday criticised a decision by the United States to renew its illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe on the pretext the country ‘poses an extra-ordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States.

The US and its western allies imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe two decades ago to force the government to abandon its land reforms under which it compulsorily acquired excess farmland from white farmers to resettle landless peasants.

Just 4 000 white farmers controlled the bulk of the country’s land.

The government estimates the sanctions, which included withdrawal of balance of payment support and trade restrictions, have cost Zimbabwe about US$100 billion over the period.

While the US western allies have eased the sanctions after a new government came into power in Zimbabwe in 2017, Washington has maintained the status quo, in some cases ramped these up.

On Wednesday, the Trump Administration renewed the sanctions for a further year claiming, among other pretexts, that security forces in Zimbabwe were involved in extra-judicial killings and rape of innocent civilians.

In a statement reacting to the US move, the government said the renewal of the sanctions was unwarranted, and the justification used, unfounded.

“Government has noted with dismay the White House message to the United States Congress, in which a decision was made to extend the sanctions against the Republic of Zimbabwe, for one more year,” Nick Mangwana, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, said.

“Once again, the government of the United States has chosen to strangely characterise Zimbabwe as a country that ‘poses an extra-ordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States. We find this a baffling position.

“All the Zimbabwean government asks for is to be allowed space to be a full member of the community of nations transacting without restrictions as other nations do. We don’t seek to interfere with the foreign policy or interests of any nation and we have no history of doing that,” he added.

Mangwana dismissed the US claims of extra-judicial killings by the country’s security forces, saying: “Any acts of criminality by anyone are subjected to the criminal justice processes of the country.”

Instead, he said Zimbabwe was reforming most of its policies and institutions with a view to entrenching constitutional and democratic values in the country, and was seeking understanding and a helping hand from partner nations and global bodies.

“We, therefore, call upon those nations who wish our country and people well to partner us and be patient with us as we continue to undertake these reforms towards meeting the aspirations of our people,” Mangwana said.
New Ziana