Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe has commended Russia Federation and Ukraine for initiating a dialogue so as to resolve their disputes which has prompted the United Nations General Assembly to conduct a vote.

In a press statement yesterday, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Fredrick Shava said, “As you are aware, Zimbabwe does not support the imposition of unilateral coercive measures or unilateral sanctions of any kind on any member state for that matter, as this is contrary, to the United Nations Charter. Unilateral sanctions have never worked to resolve any situation. On the contrary, sanctions unleash untold humanitarian crises and human suffering of the ordinary people. Zimbabweans, have been victims of unilateral sanctions for over 20 years and would not wish this on anyone. Dialogue is the way forward.

“Zimbabwe therefore, commends the Russian Federation and Ukraine for initiating dialogue and urge them to intensify their efforts towards finding a durable solution to the conflict taking into account the security interests of both parties.

”It is for these reasons that Zimbabwe abstained in the vote on the resolution on Ukraine in the UN General Assembly on 2 March 2022.”

Minister Shava urged the international community not to make the Russo-Ukraine situation worse.

“We wish to assure you that Zimbabwe is a strong believer in the United Nations Charter and all its principles and purposes including the peaceful settlement of disputes,” added Minister Shava.