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Talent Chimutambgi-Herald Reporter
VETERANS of the liberation struggle have thrown their support behind the Russian Federation and its people for standing resolute in defending their sovereignty in the face of threats posed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Alliance.
Addressing a press conference in Harare yesterday, Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association secretary-general, Cde Victor Matemadanda, said as veterans of the struggle for independence, they are in full support of Russia in standing firm in defending its territory and sovereignty.
Cde Matemadanda, who is the Zimbabwean Ambassador to Mozambique, said they recognised the support Russia rendered to Zimbabwe during the liberation struggle.
“ZNLWVA stands with the Russia Federation and its people in defending their sovereignty in the face of threats posed by the NATO Alliance. The association does not condone nor does it encourage the current armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine.
“It understands the causes of the conflict and what has motivated Russia’s special military operation,” said Cde Matemadanda.
“The ZNLWVA recognises the pivotal role played by the USSR in providing arms and training to our two liberation armies ZIPRA and ZANLA during the liberation struggle.
“The association recalls the countless times that Russia has offered Zimbabwe economic, moral and diplomatic support. Were it not for Russia and China’s veto of the American and British supported United Nations Security Council resolution on Zimbabwe, it would have been passed with drastic consequences”.
Cde Matemadanda said veterans of the liberation struggle urged all parties to come up with a solution that recognises the Russian Federation and its people’s security and interests.
He said ZNLWVA commended the position taken by Zimbabwe in abstaining from voting on the UN General Assembly resolution which called for the condemnation of Russia.
Cde Matemadanda said the association was welcoming new members who had joined them following a vetting exercise that was meant to honour the supporting staff during the armed struggle for Independence.
“We take this opportunity to welcome within the ranks of war veterans, those comrades who bore the brunt of the war. The liberation war could not have been fought without their contribution,” he said.
The association was also fully behind the candidature of President Mnangagwa for the 2023 harmonised elections.
“ZNLWVA is fully behind the candidature of President Mnangagwa as the Zanu PF candidate in the forthcoming presidential elections,” said Cde Matemadanda who was flanked by ZNLWVA Mashonaland Central provincial chairman Cde Sam Parirenyatwa and Cde Conlious Muwoni who is Mashonaland West provincial chair.
Online Reporter