Sanctions ruling unwelcome and a 'non event' - Zimbabwe

Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbegegwi says remarks from other political parties welcoming the recent EU sanctions decision are not the official Zimbabwe government's position.

In a wide ranging interview Mumbengegwi revealed that sentiments welcoming the EU foreign ministers' statement in Brussels on Monday are not the official position of government.

"Those are their personal opinions, not the position of government. They are free to express them," said Mumbengegwi.

Mumbengegwi also said that earlier on in May, the Zimbabwean government sent a delegation from all three political parties in the Global Political Agreement with a clear message that sanctions must be removed unconditionally.

"Our delegation had a clear message, Zimbabwe was demanding an immediate removal of illegal sanctions unconditionally," he added.

In what Harare has described as a "non event", the EU ministers said they are suspending sanctions against Zimbabwe if a credible referendum is held.

Analysts have described this stance as cheap politicking meant to influence the country's constitution making exercise.

They noted that Zimbabweans are the owners of this process and no outsider can decide for them.