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Zvamaida Murwira in MIDRAND, South Africa
THE Speaker of the National Assembly for Belarus, Mr Igor Sergeyenko, has added his voice to the growing chorus for the unconditional removal of Western-imposed economic sanctions on Zimbabwe, describing them as evil.
Mr Sergeyenko is in Midrand, South Africa to officially open the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Pan African Parliament (PAP) which began yesterday and drew legislators from the African continent.
He addressed the plenary of the PAP sitting, led by its president, Chief Fortune Charumbira and later convened a press conference, where in both instances, he called for the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe, saying they retarded economic development.
Belarus, said Mr Sergeyenko, was ready to cooperate with Africa on an equal footing for mutual benefit.
“The sanctions on Zimbabwe have had a disruptive effect on the economy. Our country has been on sanctions for several years. Sanctions are evil,” said Mr Sergeyenko.
He said officials from his country have visited Zimbabwe in recent years as Harare and Minsk sought to deepen bilateral relations.
Earlier on, Chief Charumbira challenged legislators to play a leading role in providing solutions to African problems.
“We are a family and we have come here to transact business for the continent.
“I welcome you here where you have to apply your mind, discussing issues affecting the continent and proffering solutions,” said Chief Charumbira.
Online Reporter