Zimbabwe: Zuma Blasts Sanctions’ Extension

The HeraldFebruary 23, 2010

THE continuation of the illegal economic sanctions against Zimbabwe undermines the Global Political Agreement signed by the country’s three main political parties, South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has said.

In a recent interview with the Sunday Times, President Zuma blasted the European Union and critics of South Africa’s stance on Zimbabwe.

The EU last week extended its illegal sanctions regime on Zimbabwe for another year alleging “lack of progress in the implementation of the GPA”.The inclusive Government, formed after the September 15, 2008 agreement, celebrated its first anniversary a few days before the EU’s decision.

President Zuma challenged his critics to come out in the open on what they had done to help Zimbabwe.“Criticisms made against South Africa are not fair. Those who have criticised South Africa have done absolutely nothing.

“They have not produced even a single document. South Africa deliberately took a decision to engage Zimba-bweans even before Sadc moved in.

“That engagement helped the country produce a clause that helped the country in the last election and led Sadc to say South Africa must continue.

“It is South Africa (that) negotiated the agreement that led to the unity Government in Zimbabwe. All the critics cannot produce a report of what they have done.

“It’s unfair. We are still working harder to nurse the situation so that it is resolved,” he said.
President Zuma added: “We want to create a conducive environment so that they (Zimbabweans) can have elections to choose their own government but the continuation of sanctions is undermining the agreement.

“We need to reach a point where they will go to elections without a fight. We need to put a platform for them to move forward. President Zuma described the Zimbabwean situation as complex.

“People don’t seem to be looking at Zimbabwe in totality. They wanted us to shout on top of our
voices. That would have undermined negotiations.”
President Zuma’s remarks come shortly after President Mugabe said issues being discussed by the negotiators did not threaten the survival of the inclusive Government. In his traditional birthday interview, President Mugabe last week said the EU’s decision to extend sanctions was aimed at undermining unity between Zimbabweans.
He urged Zimbabweans to ignore the embargo and work on using the country’s natural resources for the benefit of the nation.

Diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe have also come out strongly against the sanctions, urging the West to respect Zimbabwe’s sovereignty. Speaking at a workshop held by the Centre for Peace Initiatives in Africa last week, the diplomats described the extension of sanctions as uncalled for and said the West should stop interfering in Zimbabwe’s domestic affairs.