News / National
Few individuals want to use the law to enrich themselves in Zim: US
25 Aug 2011 at 08:00hrs | Views
The United States ambassador to Zimbabwe, Charles Ray said some Zanu PF officials want to use the Indigenisation and Empowerment law to loot the country's economy.
Addressing a policy dialogue meeting on the US-Zimbabwe relations organised by Bulawayo Agenda on Monday evening in the city, Ray said his government is not opposed to black empowerment but remains worried that few individuals want to use the law to enrich themselves at the expense of the poor.
"There is no objection to black empowerment, there is no objection to indigenisation in Zimbabwe, what worries investors is the atmosphere of uncertainty that is created through actions of a small number of people who don't represent the poor but represent themselves.
"Zimbabweans should enjoy fruits of their resources but that has to be done in way that will see the poor also enjoying," said Ray.
Ray also said the United States would like to see free and fair elections being held in Zimbabwe and the will of people being respected.
"The US wants to see non-violent and credible electoral contest and for the people's will to be honoured. We also recognise the value of the coalition government arrangement in bringing diverse views together and we respect the government officials who have engaged across party lines to foster Zimbabwe current economic recovery," he said.
The US envoy added that his government will continue to press for human rights and accountability for those who abuse them while acknowledging progress where it is made.
In addition, he said the United States will not sit back and relax while the rule of law and human rights continue to be violated in the country.
He said his government values human rights and will continue to monitor as well as advocate for the restoration of the rule of law in Zimbabwe.
"We will continue to advocate for the respect of protection of human rights, worker's rights and equal protection for women and children."
"We will continue to monitor and bring to light all such abuse of the rule of law in Zimbabwe. And let me be clear," said Ray.
Addressing a policy dialogue meeting on the US-Zimbabwe relations organised by Bulawayo Agenda on Monday evening in the city, Ray said his government is not opposed to black empowerment but remains worried that few individuals want to use the law to enrich themselves at the expense of the poor.
"There is no objection to black empowerment, there is no objection to indigenisation in Zimbabwe, what worries investors is the atmosphere of uncertainty that is created through actions of a small number of people who don't represent the poor but represent themselves.
"Zimbabweans should enjoy fruits of their resources but that has to be done in way that will see the poor also enjoying," said Ray.
Ray also said the United States would like to see free and fair elections being held in Zimbabwe and the will of people being respected.
"The US wants to see non-violent and credible electoral contest and for the people's will to be honoured. We also recognise the value of the coalition government arrangement in bringing diverse views together and we respect the government officials who have engaged across party lines to foster Zimbabwe current economic recovery," he said.
The US envoy added that his government will continue to press for human rights and accountability for those who abuse them while acknowledging progress where it is made.
In addition, he said the United States will not sit back and relax while the rule of law and human rights continue to be violated in the country.
He said his government values human rights and will continue to monitor as well as advocate for the restoration of the rule of law in Zimbabwe.
"We will continue to advocate for the respect of protection of human rights, worker's rights and equal protection for women and children."
"We will continue to monitor and bring to light all such abuse of the rule of law in Zimbabwe. And let me be clear," said Ray.
Source - Daily News
