News / National
Mugabe calls for peace during and after elections
13 Aug 2012 at 16:21hrs | Views
President Robert Mugabe has reiterated the need for peace in the country before, during and after elections.
Mugabe, who was speaking at the National Heroes' Acre during Heroes Day commemorations, said social cohesion of a nation is hinged on peace.
He called on Zimbabweans, political parties, civil society and other groups to desist from violence, saying no development can take place where there is no peace.
Mugabe paid tribute to both the fallen and living heroes for their supreme sacrifices which led to the independence the country is enjoying today.
He challenged Zimbabweans to take heed of the fundamental history of the struggle which came about through unity of purpose and the self sacrificing spirit of the country's heroes and heroines.
He also said Zimbabweans will continue to call for the unconditional lifting of the illegal sanctions imposed on the country by the west, adding that the government will not go back on various empowerment programmes it has embarked on.
On the land reform programme, the Mugabe warned resettled farmers to refrain from entering into partnerships with former white commercial farmers as they risk losing the land.
"If the land is not used effectively, the aims of the liberation struggle to gain political and economic independence will not have been achieved," he said.
Mugabe also spoke about the new constitution, saying it should reflect Zimbabwean values and principles.
The Heroes Day celebrations also saw the burial of the remains of the late national hero, Khantibhai Patel.
President Mugabe described Patel as a selfless and dedicated cadre whose national hero status is witness to his good works.
The veteran politician and Zanu-PF Politburo member died last year at the age of 83.
Mugabe, who was speaking at the National Heroes' Acre during Heroes Day commemorations, said social cohesion of a nation is hinged on peace.
He called on Zimbabweans, political parties, civil society and other groups to desist from violence, saying no development can take place where there is no peace.
Mugabe paid tribute to both the fallen and living heroes for their supreme sacrifices which led to the independence the country is enjoying today.
He challenged Zimbabweans to take heed of the fundamental history of the struggle which came about through unity of purpose and the self sacrificing spirit of the country's heroes and heroines.
He also said Zimbabweans will continue to call for the unconditional lifting of the illegal sanctions imposed on the country by the west, adding that the government will not go back on various empowerment programmes it has embarked on.
On the land reform programme, the Mugabe warned resettled farmers to refrain from entering into partnerships with former white commercial farmers as they risk losing the land.
"If the land is not used effectively, the aims of the liberation struggle to gain political and economic independence will not have been achieved," he said.
Mugabe also spoke about the new constitution, saying it should reflect Zimbabwean values and principles.
The Heroes Day celebrations also saw the burial of the remains of the late national hero, Khantibhai Patel.
President Mugabe described Patel as a selfless and dedicated cadre whose national hero status is witness to his good works.
The veteran politician and Zanu-PF Politburo member died last year at the age of 83.
Source - zbc
