Thursday, February 17, 2011

Namibia Slams European Union Stance on Zimbabwe Sanctions

Namibia slams EU stance on Zim sanctions

Wednesday, 16 February 2011 20:33
Herald Reporter

NAMIBIA has condemned the European Union's extension of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe saying the embargo was impeding regional development.

The illegal sanctions are hurting the ordinary people contrary to claims by the Western countries that the embargo was targeted at senior Zanu-PF officials.

Speaking to journalists after meeting Acting President John Nkomo at his Munhumutapa Offices yesterday, Namibian Ambassador to

Zimbabwe Dr Panduleni-Kaino Shingenge said the widely discredited embargo was not targeted at senior Zanu-PF officials but the entire Sadc region.

"The position of Namibia on the issue of sanctions is very clear and we work in unison with the position of Sadc that they should be removed. They are not only hurting the people of Zimbabwe but Sadc as a whole. Namibia has signed agreements with Zimbabwe but these agreements are being hurt by these sanctions," she said.

The EU on Tuesday extended the illegal sanctions by another year claiming that the political situation in the country was not yet conducive to lift the embargo.

Namibia, which is the current chair of Sadc, said the illegal sanctions were causing unwarranted suffering to ordinary Zimbabweans.

The illegal sanctions have also been condemned by progressive international organisations such as the Non-Aligned Movement and the African Union.

Dr Shingenge said she discussed economic issues and empowerment of Namibians and Zimbabweans with the Acting President.

She said Windhoek acknowledged Harare's support in training of its personnel in various fields.

"The meeting was a courtesy call after having presented letters of credence in October last year. We discussed about excellent relations between our two countries and we also talked about the training Namibia is receiving from Zimbabwe."

Zimbabwe has embarked on an empowerment drive that will see 51 percent shareholding in every company with an asset value of US$500 000 and above being bought and owned by locals.

On Tuesday Dr Shingenge met Zanu-PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo at the party headquarters.

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