Australia urged to lift sanctions against Zim

Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

The Zimbabwe Information Centre (ZIC) in Australia has urged the Australian government to lift sanctions against a number of Zimbabwean individuals as they are not justified.

ZIC yesterday launched an anti-sanctions campaign as it celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Herbert Chitepo Australasia tour.

Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, ZIC chairman Mr Peter Murphy, who is based in Sydney, Australia, said the international community must respect democratic achievements emerging from the values and vision of the liberation struggle.

“We see these values loud and clear in the peaceful elections just concluded and peace has been achieved,” he said.

“Zimbabweans can now come together in unity and harmony to develop their country. The international community must respect this democratic achievement emerging from the values and vision of the liberation struggle, which Chitepo introduced to us in 1973.

“The Australian so-called targeted sanctions on a few Zimbabwean individuals have not been targeted for many years. Instead, they are impacting on all Zimbabweans because of the refusal of some international banks to process any transactions from and to Zimbabwe.”

Mr Murphy said the sanctions were hurting jobs, tourism, trade, investment, service delivery and communications and the Zimbabwean people at large.

He said the remaining sanctions must be withdrawn, not only by the Australian government but by the United States, Britain and the European Union.

“We strongly believe this will help Zimbabwe Integrate fully with the International community of nations as a friend to all and enemy to none,” Mr Murphy said.

“The prevailing peace can help boost Zimbabwe as a prime tourist destination and more can be done to boost agriculture, manufacturing and mining output. Social welfare must be prioritised.

“On His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s salutations during the inauguration (of his second term), we were pleasantly surprised with his inclusion of civil society.

“We welcome that inclusion and pledge to consolidate our partnership with the Zimbabwe Government as we enjoy with our own.”