Staff Reporter
Government vehemently continues to condemn and call for the unconditional removal of the illegal sanctions imposed by the United States (US) on Zimbabwe since 2001.
In a press statement, issued yesterday, Government has expressed its dissatisfaction with US President Joe Biden’s decision to rescind only a portion of the sanctions, labelling it as insufficient.
“The announcement two days ago, on 4th March, 2024, by the US President Joseph R. Biden, purporting to rescind all illegal Executive Orders passed by his predecessors since March 6, 2003, some 21 years later after these debilitating sanctions against our Nation, can never atone for, let alone write off, heinous crimes committed against Zimbabwe and her people through these illegal, blanket country sanctions.”
Moreover, Government condemned the defamatory remarks made by US officials against Zimbabwean leadership, demanding evidence to support their claims.
“Further, Zimbabwe takes great exception to gratuitous slander, and defamatory remarks by officials of the Biden Administration against the sanctioned Zimbabwean leadership and its nationals. This slander has been repeated here on Zimbabwean soil by local staff of the United States Embassy.
“We condemn these malicious statements as completely uncalled for, as defamatory, provocative, and as a continuation of wanton hostilities against Zimbabwe by the US Government. We demand that the Biden Administration provides evidence in support of these gratuitous accusations, failure which the Administration must, without any further delay, withdraw them unconditionally.”
More so, Government acknowledged the support it received from regional and international organizations in its fight against the illegal sanctions. It called upon these allies to maintain momentum in advocating for the complete removal of all coercive measures imposed by the US.
“Zimbabwe reiterates its deep gratitude to the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) the progressive world and to the United Nations (UN) for supporting her just struggle against these illegal coercive US measures.
Zimbabwe urges these organizations, and all men and women of goodwill worldwide, to maintain the momentum against the so-called targeted sanctions, which in reality are country sanctions, and which must be removed in toto, and unconditionally.”
Despite facing adversity, Government reaffirmed its commitment to defending its sovereignty and pursuing its chosen destiny through peaceful means. It urged the Biden administration to lead by example and act in accordance with established legal norms.
“As a government leading a country with pretensions to global leadership, the Biden Administration must lead by example in showing the rest of the world how to act in accordance with international law, rather than acting arbitrarily, both at bilateral and global levels.
On its part, Zimbabwe will stand firm in defence of her hard-won sovereignty, and in pursuit of her chosen destiny, consistent with its policy of being a friend to all, and an enemy to none. No amount of sanctions or hostilities will deter or detract her from her chosen path.”
