Tsvangirai urges Zimbabweans to live in peace and harmony

President Tsvangirai has urged Zimbabweans to live in peace and harmony and in an environment where the people's rights and basic freedoms of assembly, movement and association are respected.

Addressing thousands of people at a peace prayer at Mkoba Stadium in Gweru on Saturday, President Tsvangirai said it is obligatory for every Zimbabwean to ensure that Zimbabwe is a peaceful nation.

He said on 11 November 2011, the three principals met in Harare and pledged to hold peace prayer meetings across the country.

The prayers are aimed at enhancing peace, prosperity, development and unity among the people of Zimbabwe and shun violence at every level.

"We need a new era in this country and to desist from violence, hatred. We should not walk the talk of ‘An eye for an eye". Use of politically motivated violence should be a thing of the past," said President Tsvangirai.

Quoting Matthew 22 verse 34, he said "First love your God with all your heart and secondly your neighbour as you love yourself.

"We need to live in harmony and extend a hand to each other especially those who hurt us, despite political differences.

"We must all understand that peace is imperative for investment, economic growth and development in this country," said President Tsvangirai, adding that it is an obligation to each and every Zimbabwean to call for a peaceful nation as blessed are the peace makers.

Several senior government and MDC officials accompanied President Tsvangirai.

Music was provided by Baba na Mai Charamba, Blessing Shumba, Fungisai Mashavave and other musicians from various churches.

Although the idea of peace prayers was agreed upon by the three principals namely, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, President Mugabe and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara, only Prime Minister Tsvangirai honoured the invitation.

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