News / National
'Ian Khama wants EU to extend sanctions on Zimbabwe'
28 Jan 2014 at 06:33hrs | Views
Recent comments by Botswana President Ian Khama about the July 31, 2013 Zimbabwe elections are a ploy by the Botswana leader to get the European Union to extend its sanctions on Zimbabwe, Zanu-PF politburo member and Information Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo said yesterday.
The Herald reports that the EU is scheduled to meet on February 19 to decide whether or not to extend the discredited embargo first imposed in 2002.
President Khama was quoted at the weekend condemning Zimbabwe's elections, adding that Botswana would no longer participate in Sadc and AU election observer missions.
"We are of course aware that the EU's annual review of its illegal sanctions is scheduled for around February 19. Nobody should be surprised that the usual voices that have traditionally supported the self-indulgent and evil Anglo-Saxon sanctions about this time of the year since 2003 are at it again ahead of the February 19 EU meetings in Brussels," said Prof Moyo.
"While all this is unfortunate, we are heartened not only by the fact that the progressive world has remained resolutely opposed to the illegal sanctions, which have devastated the livelihoods of ordinary Zimbabweans, but also by the fact that we are beginning to hear voices of reason against the sanctions from within the ranks of the EU itself," he added.
Prof Moyo said the July 31, 2013 elections preoccupying president Khama were history to progressive Zimbabweans.
He said while Zimbabwe had its own opinions about the conduct of elections and other governance issues in Botswana, it had chosen to reserve its comments as a sign of respect of its neighbour’s sovereignty.
"It is common cause that Zimbabweans have their own opinions about Botswana and its governance issues including whether Botswana holds free, fair and credible elections; whether Botswana's economy provides equal opportunities to all its citizens, especially among the indigenous communities.
"By and large Zimbabweans keep their opinions on these and other related issues to themselves and never grandstand about them in the media. I am sure that will continue to be the position of the generality of Zimbabweans because we believe in being our brother's keeper," he said.
Prof Moyo said Zimbabwe valued its relationship with Botswana given the role it played in the country's liberation struggle.
The Herald reports that the EU is scheduled to meet on February 19 to decide whether or not to extend the discredited embargo first imposed in 2002.
President Khama was quoted at the weekend condemning Zimbabwe's elections, adding that Botswana would no longer participate in Sadc and AU election observer missions.
"We are of course aware that the EU's annual review of its illegal sanctions is scheduled for around February 19. Nobody should be surprised that the usual voices that have traditionally supported the self-indulgent and evil Anglo-Saxon sanctions about this time of the year since 2003 are at it again ahead of the February 19 EU meetings in Brussels," said Prof Moyo.
"While all this is unfortunate, we are heartened not only by the fact that the progressive world has remained resolutely opposed to the illegal sanctions, which have devastated the livelihoods of ordinary Zimbabweans, but also by the fact that we are beginning to hear voices of reason against the sanctions from within the ranks of the EU itself," he added.
He said while Zimbabwe had its own opinions about the conduct of elections and other governance issues in Botswana, it had chosen to reserve its comments as a sign of respect of its neighbour’s sovereignty.
"It is common cause that Zimbabweans have their own opinions about Botswana and its governance issues including whether Botswana holds free, fair and credible elections; whether Botswana's economy provides equal opportunities to all its citizens, especially among the indigenous communities.
"By and large Zimbabweans keep their opinions on these and other related issues to themselves and never grandstand about them in the media. I am sure that will continue to be the position of the generality of Zimbabweans because we believe in being our brother's keeper," he said.
Prof Moyo said Zimbabwe valued its relationship with Botswana given the role it played in the country's liberation struggle.
Source - The Herald
