adminAgreement, Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu said on Monday.
Minister Shamu said if the country was to hold elections with sanctions in place, it would create an “uneven” playing field to the most affected party, Zanu-PF.
He made the remarks soon after meeting a Chinese delegation on State Administration of Radio, Film and Television at his Munhumutapa offices in Harare.
The delegation, that is leaving today, has been in the country since Friday.
The meeting also saw the signing of a co-operation agreement between China Central Television (CCTV) and Zimbabwe Broadcasting Co-operation.
The agreement will see the two organisations sharing news and exchanging current affairs programmes.
“As you are aware we have a political agreement in the country and Zimbabweans are saying to the international community sanctions are the main unresolved issue in the GPA.
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“To progressive friends internationally, continue calling for the unconditional immediate removal of the embargo.
“They are undermining the little gains made in our economy, an economy that grew through your support,” Minister Shamu told the delegation.
He described China as a “genuine brother” that stood by the country at the 2008 UN Security Council meeting, vetoing against the imposition of UN sanctions on Zimbabwe.
Turning to the visit, Minister Shamu said exchange programmes between the two broadcasters was “welcome” and should be supported for the benefit of the people.
“It is important for our people to get our true story through our own eyes not through third parties that do not protect our national interest,” he said.
“Our people continue to be fed on news content generated by Western news agencies that push neo-colonialist agendas whose purpose is to plunder our resources and subject people to perpetual servitude.”
Developing countries, Minister Shamu said, should come together and make their presence felt on the national and international communication platforms.
“We have to reclaim the space taken forcefully by other media organisations. The battle for minds can only be won through the generation of our own news content,” he said.
“There is absolute need for co-operation among the media in developing countries to counter hegemonic powers’ intentions.”
Mr Li Wei, Vice Minister of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television concurred with Minister Shamu saying developing countries should take a position on safeguarding their sovereignties.
“When the Western media report on the international affairs of developing countries, they are only interested in chaotic affairs, drought and famine and they always encourage confrontation between mass and ruling governments,” he said.
On sanctions, Mr Li said: “We understand the difficulties and challenges you are facing because similar sanctions were also imposed on us. We experienced 100 years of invasion by the same Western powers and we share the same feeling with you.
“We will continue supporting you in developing your country.”
The delegation also donated 10 laptops to the Ministry of Media, Information and Publicity before touring ZBC Pockets Hill studios.
Online Reporter