By Claver Nyuki

The United Kingdom (UK) has commended the Republic of Zimbabwe Government for having one of the best Constitutions not only in the region but in the continent as a whole.

This was said by British Embassy Deputy Head of Mission to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Giles Enticknap last week after paying a courtesy call on Zanu PF Manicaland Provincial Secretary for Administration, Cde Kenneth Saruchera in Mutare.

Ambassador Enticknap stated that the Zimbabwean Constitution is very clear on the bill of rights. “I just want to commend the Government of Zimbabwe for having an excellent Constitution which is very clear on the bill of rights.

“It is one of the best Constitutions, not only in the region but the continent as a whole,” said the Ambassador.

Ambassador Enticknap reiterated that the British government was committed to strengthening its relations with Zimbabwe.

“The UK government is committed to maintaining good relations with Zimbabwe.

“The UK government has so far channelled about 100 million pounds towards humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe this year alone, testimony of the commitment by the UK government,” said Ambassador Enticknap.

Ambassador Enticknap reiterated his government’s commitment to building strong institutions so as to ensure a stable economy in Zimbabwe as well as quality education for all.

“My government is committed to building strong institutions in Zimbabwe to stabilise the economy. My government is committed to building institutions in Zimbabwe in order to stabilise the economy while also contributing to quality education.

“The UK government is working on improving bilateral trade through linking Zimbabweans and British markets,” he said.

Ambassador Enticknap also applauded President Emmerson Mnangagwa for opening up the democratic space in the country upon his ascendancy to power and paid special mention to the open invitation to the international election observers during the 2018 harmonised elections.

Responding to a question by Cde Saruchera, Ambassador Enticknap dispelled the notion that the UK government was biased towards the opposition, especially the MDC, and stressed that the UK government was very impartial and would continue to condemn violence regardless of the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, on the side-lines of the meeting, Ambassador Enticknap accused the MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa of being indecisive.

 “The MDC leader has shown to be indecisive and that is the reason why he is failing to chat a clear road map for the party,” he said.

On the issue of dialogue, Ambassador Enticknap stressed that Zimbabwean politics is at a stalemate because both Zanu PF and the MDC were squabbling over the illegitimacy issue at the expense of engaging in meaningful dialogue to solve the economic challenges and pave way for economic development.

However, Ambassador Enticknap emphasised that the British government would never dictate terms and conditions on how the dialogue should be conducted.