Britain must stop housing, funding pirate radio stations says Zanu-PF

Zanu-PF says it welcomes the re-engagement efforts by Britain following the icy relations between Zimbabwe and its former coloniser.

In a statement, the party's Secretary for Information and Publicity, Rugare Gumo, said they welcome the re-engagement efforts currently underway and "consider them to be an important first step in the right direction."

He however said Zanu PF maintains that Britain must accept the irreversibility of the land reform programme, appreciate and make it clear to all her allies that the conflict between Britain and Zimbabwe is a bilateral one which can only be resolved by the two parties working together.

Gumbo also called for the total, unequivocal and unconditional removal of all illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe.

He said no country that has imposed illegal sanctions against Zimbabwe will be allowed to send election observers for the forth coming harmonised elections and that includes, unfortunately, Britain.

"The West Minister Foundation must stop funding and supporting the MDC-T; Britain must stop the housing and funding of pirate radio stations in particular SW Radio Africa," Gumbo added.

He also said, "Britain and her allies (or the so called friends of Zimbabwe) should stop funding NGOs and instead channel all aid through relevant ministries."

"Once these conditions have been met, we believe there will be sufficient motivation for the resumption of trade relations and economic ties between our two countries.

"Zanu PF remains committed to finding a lasting solution to the bilateral challenges that presently exist, but we will not compromise, and we say this very sincerely, on the fundamental principles of independence and sovereignty."