Harare, (New Ziana) – The government will continue to engage the United States to normalise relations despite its ‘regrettable’ decision to extend sanctions on the country, a cabinet minister has said.
The US and its western allies imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe twof 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 prime 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.
On Wednesday, the Trump Administration renewed the sanctions for a further year, citing a number of reasons including claims that Zimbabwe posed a threat to its foreign policy.
It also accused the country’s security forces of engaging in extra-judicial killings and rape of innocent civilians, charges the government vehemently dismissed.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Sibusiso Moyo said government was disappointed but not surprised by the US decision to extend the sanctions, noting Washington did not take into account various positive reforms Harare’s new administration had implemented in the past two years.
“Of particular regret, and where we must register our deep concern is that the narrative accompanying the renewal order makes no reference to, nor does it acknowledge or recognise any other notable progress made in the implementation of the political, economic and legislative reform programmes outlined by His Excellency the President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) when he assumed office in November 2017, and further reinforced following the harmonised elections of July 2018,” Moyo said.
“We disagree strongly with the assertion that our government has not
demonstrated the political will to effect major reform.”
He said government had implemented reforms targeted at the media, elections and the business environment.
Moyo said inspite of Washington’s slap in the face, through the sanctions
renewal, the government will continue with its reforms.
New Ziana
