News / National
Mugabe calls for peace ahead of polls
30 Oct 2012 at 12:45hrs | Views
President Robert Mugabe, says Zimbabweans should believe in themselves to face their challenges.
Officially opening the 5th Session of the 7th Parliament of Zimbabwe, Mugabe said there is "some growing mutual co-operation and commendable togetherness" exhibited by parliamentarians from the major political parties and from Zimbabweans at large, adding, "it is time we believed in our capacities to face our challenges."
President Mugabe said the (COPAC) 2nd All-Stakeholders Conference was a significant event and marked one of the final stages in the constitution-making process.
He said principals in the Global Political Agreement expect the next stage to be consluded expeditiously so that they decide on the best way forward.
"The main objective remains holding of elections in March next year under a new constitution," he said.
President Mugabe also commended the COPAC chairpersons and the Management Committee for spearheading and guiding the constitution-making process, although he said, it took longer than expected. He said the process took long because it was a big task,
"Should the people express their affirmation of the draft in the referendum, then Parliament will pass it as the new law of Zimbabwe," he said.
The President said the drought in Zimbabwe has brought about acute food shortages and government is committed to ensuring the distribution of food throughout the country through the extended Grain and Vulnerable Social Group Schemes.
He also said the government will assist in the translocation of livestock to areas with stock-feed.
President Mugabe hailed the mining sector for being the key driver of the economy, saying the Zimbabwe Diamond Policy is now in place and there is continued growth in mining.
The government through the Mining Development Corporation is resuscitating the mining sector and equipment worth millions of dollars has been acquired, he said.
"For the illegal panners, steps are on the way to decriminalise and allow them to work in a legal way," said the President.
Mugabe commended the security forces for maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
"As we look forward to the elections and the hosting of the UNWTO General Assembly, we count on our security agents to continue maintaining the peaceful environment."
The President appealed to all political leaders, organisations including the media to work together and shun violence.
"We are one. Let us remain one. And let us shun violence in all its manifestations."
Officially opening the 5th Session of the 7th Parliament of Zimbabwe, Mugabe said there is "some growing mutual co-operation and commendable togetherness" exhibited by parliamentarians from the major political parties and from Zimbabweans at large, adding, "it is time we believed in our capacities to face our challenges."
President Mugabe said the (COPAC) 2nd All-Stakeholders Conference was a significant event and marked one of the final stages in the constitution-making process.
He said principals in the Global Political Agreement expect the next stage to be consluded expeditiously so that they decide on the best way forward.
"The main objective remains holding of elections in March next year under a new constitution," he said.
President Mugabe also commended the COPAC chairpersons and the Management Committee for spearheading and guiding the constitution-making process, although he said, it took longer than expected. He said the process took long because it was a big task,
"Should the people express their affirmation of the draft in the referendum, then Parliament will pass it as the new law of Zimbabwe," he said.
The President said the drought in Zimbabwe has brought about acute food shortages and government is committed to ensuring the distribution of food throughout the country through the extended Grain and Vulnerable Social Group Schemes.
He also said the government will assist in the translocation of livestock to areas with stock-feed.
President Mugabe hailed the mining sector for being the key driver of the economy, saying the Zimbabwe Diamond Policy is now in place and there is continued growth in mining.
The government through the Mining Development Corporation is resuscitating the mining sector and equipment worth millions of dollars has been acquired, he said.
"For the illegal panners, steps are on the way to decriminalise and allow them to work in a legal way," said the President.
Mugabe commended the security forces for maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
"As we look forward to the elections and the hosting of the UNWTO General Assembly, we count on our security agents to continue maintaining the peaceful environment."
The President appealed to all political leaders, organisations including the media to work together and shun violence.
"We are one. Let us remain one. And let us shun violence in all its manifestations."
Source - zbc
