'US not funding Mugabe's enemies'

USA's infatuation with Zimbabwe's internal affairs continues to be part of the western nation's policy following a subtle admission by the country's ambassador at a public lecture held in Harare last night.

Short of openly admitting the west's involvement in efforts to effect regime change in Zimbabwe, Ambassador Harry Thomas Junior hid behind the country's efforts to engage civic organisations to bring about transparency in the country's internal systems.

Ambassador Thomas Junior, who was guest speaker at a public lecture on USA - Zimbabwe relations held at the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy, denied that ZDERA is a sanctions programme and maintained that the western country's rhetoric  that though it was endorsed by the US Congress it is yet to be enforced in the country.

Ambassador Thomas Junior also denied involvement in the funding of opposition political parties in Zimbabwe, but admitted that his country is channeling funds to certain civil society organisations in support of democracy, women's rights and youth empowerment.

He also admitted that the targeted sanctions have had consequences on ordinary individuals and companies who have had their day to day transactions affected.

Western foreign embassies have been fingered for having a hand in sponsoring a wave of anti- government protests that rocked the country recently.

Zimbabwe has maintained its bold stance in challenging western countries to refrain from interfering in the country's internal affairs and has bore the brunt of illegal sanctions for the past 16 years.