Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino
Zimpapers Politics Hub
DEFENCE Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri on Friday expressed Zimbabwe’s concern over the abuse of the United Nations (UN) Charter, which she said is now threatening multilateralism as a global diplomatic principle as some states agitate for unilateralism as a foreign policy option.
Addressing guests at the Defender of the Fatherland Day organised by the Russian Embassy in Harare, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said Zimbabwe will continue to push for the reform of the UN, as violations on Article 2(4) and 2(7) were threatening principles of maintenance of international peace and security as enshrined in the Charter.
“We are very much concerned with the gross abuse of the United Nations Charter, Article 2(4) and 2(7) that recognises the sovereignty status of states, equality and territorial integrity that is no longer being respected. Multilateralism as a global diplomatic principle is thus being disregarded by certain states. These states are now agitating for unilateralism as a foreign policy approach,” she said.
“As we gather to celebrate this important day, we reaffirm our shared commitment to the principles of sovereignty, mutual respect, non-interference and peaceful coexistence. These principles remain central to maintaining international peace and security as espoused by the United Nations Charter through Article 2(7) and 2(7).”
Article 2(4) forbids member states from threatening to use or using force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, while Article 2(7) does not authorise intervention in matters within the domestic jurisdiction of any state.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri also thanked Russia for vetoing a draft United Nations Security Council resolution in 2008 that would have paved the way for the imposition of sanctions on Zimbabwe.
Tinaye Agere