adminFrancois Ponge, conferred the honour to Mr Tsvangirai, who is also Prime Minister in the inclusive Government.
In his eulogy, Mr Ponge said the Legion of Honour was the highest French decoration founded by Napoleon more than 200 years ago to acknowledge exceptional merits of French citizens in both military and civil society. He said the honour was granted to foreigners because Paris wanted to give an example to its citizens and the world.
“We wanted to emphasise just how much the merit of the beneficiaries corresponds with our own universal aspirations and our willingness to share the spirit of progress and values worldwide,” he said.
“Even though this decoration can be granted courteously during official missions, it does not quite have the same moral value as today’s award, even more so because of the position that you hold with all the prestige it represents. It is the man that holds this position that we wish to highlight today.”
The ambassador outlined contributions that Mr Tsvangirai made — his trade union activism and political activism.
In his response, Mr Tsvangirai said he dedicated the honour to Zimbabweans who stood with him.
“I know it’s not easy. It has never been easy for the past 20 years. I know we have independence as a country but are not free as individuals,” he said.
He, however, lauded President Mugabe for denouncing political violence.
“I am glad President Mugabe has said no more shedding of blood . . . the future is now much brighter. My country has been in the news for the wrong reasons,” he said.
He called for an end to acrimony as the country moved for elections.
MDC-T Vice President Ms Thokozani Khupe, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, MDC-T ministers and legislators attended the event.
President Mugabe is on record urging Zimbabweans to be wary of Western leaders who praise them as good leaders while arming them to work against their people.
He said Western leaders could use Zimbabweans to fight against each other so that they exploit the country.
President Mugabe, who is the Head-of-State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, was speaking at Gomorefu High School last month while officially launching the Marange-Zimunya Community Share Ownership Trust that received US$50 million from five companies mining diamonds in the area.
The President warned Zimbabweans to be wary of the flattery given to them by the West.
Online Reporter