News / National
'Security services of Zim are renowned world over for diligence and professionalism' says Mnangagwa
03 Apr 2013 at 23:47hrs | Views
Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday said security sector reforms are not part of the Global Political Agreement and parties pushing the agenda are driven by the illegal regime change motive as they seek to weaken the country's security services.
Mnangagwa said this in an interview with the state media at the National Defence College.
"You must understand that the MDC-T and the MDC are in Government as a result of the GPA so they should restrict themselves to issues of the GPA of which security sector reforms are not a part.
"The major issues that are outstanding are the issues of illegal sanctions and the continued broadcasting of hate messages by pirate radio stations from abroad.
"In fact the security services of Zimbabwe are renowned the world over for diligence and professionalism," he said.
The European Union recently whittled down its sanctions list leaving 10 people among them President Mugabe, First Lady Grace Mugabe, service chiefs and war veterans leader Jabulani Sibanda.
The Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation, and the Zimbabwe Defence Industries were also retained on the sanctions list.
The MDC formations have also been pushing for the postponement of elections that President Mugabe has said should be held before June 29 citing security sector reforms as part of outstanding issues.
Zimbabwe's security forces have continued to receive worldwide accolades and have participated in UN peacekeeping missions while a number of locals have also commanded those missions.
"Those who speak of security reforms are driven by the illegal regime change agenda to remove us (from power) and install their puppets.
"They intend to remove the current crop of leadership within the army and replace them with that of their own choice who will pander to their whims," Minister Mnangagwa said.
Minister Mnangagwa said suggestions that local defence forces should be taught subjects on humanitarian law and treatment of prisoners were misplaced as that was already covered on the army's curricula during training.
He said Zimbabwean forces had continued to excel even when they attended courses in other countries because of the training they received locally.
"We will continue to ensure that we promote professionalism in the Zimbabwe National Army and the country's defence forces," Minister Mnangagwa said.
Mnangagwa said this in an interview with the state media at the National Defence College.
"You must understand that the MDC-T and the MDC are in Government as a result of the GPA so they should restrict themselves to issues of the GPA of which security sector reforms are not a part.
"The major issues that are outstanding are the issues of illegal sanctions and the continued broadcasting of hate messages by pirate radio stations from abroad.
"In fact the security services of Zimbabwe are renowned the world over for diligence and professionalism," he said.
The European Union recently whittled down its sanctions list leaving 10 people among them President Mugabe, First Lady Grace Mugabe, service chiefs and war veterans leader Jabulani Sibanda.
The Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation, and the Zimbabwe Defence Industries were also retained on the sanctions list.
The MDC formations have also been pushing for the postponement of elections that President Mugabe has said should be held before June 29 citing security sector reforms as part of outstanding issues.
Zimbabwe's security forces have continued to receive worldwide accolades and have participated in UN peacekeeping missions while a number of locals have also commanded those missions.
"Those who speak of security reforms are driven by the illegal regime change agenda to remove us (from power) and install their puppets.
"They intend to remove the current crop of leadership within the army and replace them with that of their own choice who will pander to their whims," Minister Mnangagwa said.
Minister Mnangagwa said suggestions that local defence forces should be taught subjects on humanitarian law and treatment of prisoners were misplaced as that was already covered on the army's curricula during training.
He said Zimbabwean forces had continued to excel even when they attended courses in other countries because of the training they received locally.
"We will continue to ensure that we promote professionalism in the Zimbabwe National Army and the country's defence forces," Minister Mnangagwa said.
Source - TH
