Prime Minister Tsvangirai insists we will sell our gems

PM Tsvangirai said sanctions imposed on the diamond companies, Marange Resources and Mbada Diamonds, were only from a section of international buyers.
“We want to assure members that the sanctions would not have an effect,” he said while answering a question from Mutare South legislator Mr Fred Kanzama (Zanu-PF).
“The sanctions were imposed by a section of the world. We will certainly dispose of our diamonds.”

PM Tsvangirai said there should be transparency in the sale of diamonds and full accounting of the proceeds for the Government to fund critical projects.
He said the inclusive Government largely remained dysfunctional mainly because it was engaged with more issues than a coalition arrangement could deal with.
PM Tsvangirai said he had failed to control ministers despite being empowered as the Prime Minister, with some of them resorting to openly defying him.

“However, even with the limitations of a coalition Government, we have managed to make some notable progress in areas such as health, education and provision of clean water in most cities and towns,” he said.
“Like any coalition, there are no shared values and no shared vision and we have worked on the minimum understanding that collectively and despite our political differences, we need to get this country working again.”

PM Tsvangirai criticised the indigenisation and economic empowerment policy, which he said had caused “political discord”.
He said what was needed was a thrust that created jobs and protected investors “while at the same time promoting investment and empowering the ordinary person”.
PM Tsvangirai said there was no seriousness among Cabinet Ministers who brought to Parliament only seven Bills out of the envisaged 24 in 2011.

He said the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe board, which recently awarded radio licences to Zimpapers and AB Communications, should be disbanded.
He said the two licences should be revoked, arguing that the board was “illegally constituted”.
PM Tsvangirai said political stability was key to the country in 2012.

“Next year must register growth, set a firm foundation for a free and fair poll and above all give every Zimbabwean hope that indeed, the future of this country is our shared concern,” he said.
PM Tsvangirai said Government would put in place mechanisms to move grain to vulnerable communities.

He hoped that 2012 would “bring better prospects for peace, tolerance growth and prosperity”.