Nkomo hails nation on anti-sanctions petition

Landa Nkomo, has thanked Zimbabweans for their support for the initiative and urged them to sign the document en masse.
This came as Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa described the Campaign, launched by President Mugabe last week, as long overdue.
In a statement yesterday, VP Nkomo said “This exceptional support was an emphatic statement to Britain, the European Union, America and to all those interests which have slapped sanctions against the people of Zimbabwe.
“Indeed, it was a rejection of the anti-people politics which thrive on illegal sanctions and the suffering of the Zimbabwean people which these sanctions cause.
“A resolute beginning has been made. Let us now move forward together by supporting the actual programme in its various facets.”
Minister Mnangagwa made his remarks at a dinner for retired Air Marshall Henry Muchena and 25 senior officers at Manyame Air Base on Friday.
“My personal belief is that the event should have happened sometime back.
“It is an indication that the people of Zimbabwe are against the illegal sanctions, which were imposed outside the UN system (as required by international law).
“It was an indication by the people of Zimbabwe that the sanctions are illegal, unholy and inhuman.”
Minister Mnangagwa said the huge turnout at the launch was a demonstration to the world that Zimbabweans were united against sanctions.
Petition signing centres will be set up countrywide to enable Zimbabweans to air their opposition to the illegal Western embargo.
People will be able to sign the petitions there, while Diasporans can access it through a soon-to-be-established website.
Plans are underway to translate the petition into all major national and United Nations languages.
MDC formations boycotted the launch, drawing the ire of people who are daily burdened by the embargo.
Progressive organisations like Sadc, the AU and the Non-Aligned Movement have all condemned the sanctions.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Mnangagwa commended Air Vice Marshall Muchena’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s development.
“He is a product of the revolution and served distinctly during the war and have no doubt he will continue to do so as a civilian.”
Air Marshall Perrance Shiri hailed Air Vice Marshal Muchena’s determination, saying the underlying theme in his service was patriotism.
“The challenges that were faced by these officers, the challenges we face today and those we will face in future are all surmountable if we put our country first and learn from our history as amply demonstrated by these retired senior officers,” he said.
Among the senior officers was Retired Air Vice Marshal Robert Mhlanga.