Zim to continue with US re-engagement

ZTN Reporter

Zimbabwe will continue re-engaging with the United States despite Washington’s decision to extend an embargo it slapped on Harare for another year.

The Southern African country’s foreign affairs Minister Sibusiso Moyo said: “Notwithstanding the unfortunate stance, we will continue to seek meaningful re-engagement with the United States authorities on a mutual respect basis and we will, of course, continue to pursue the reform agenda we have set ourselves at a pace which is responsible, manageable and sustainable,” he said.

In announcing the decision to extend the embargo US President Donald Trump accused the Zimbabwean government of failing to implement reforms.

However, Moyo maintains that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’ s government has made some notable progress on that front.

“Of particular regret, and where we must register our deep concern is that the narrative accompanying the renewal order makes no reference to, nor does it acknowledge or recognise any of the notable progress made in implementation of the political, economic and legislative reform programme outlined by His Excellency the President when he assumed office in November, 2017 and further reinforced following the harmonised elections of July 2018,” added Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs Minister.

He highlighted that some of the reforms carried out include the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) designed to rein in government expenditure, the repeal of the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), the imminent repeal of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and the impending licensing of community radio stations and independent television stations.

The country’s cabinet has also approved electoral reforms, the commitment by Government to align the laws with the Constitution by June 2020 and the establishment of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency to improve the business environment.

Moyo added that his country’s government was also implementing recommendations from the Motlanthe Commission report following the August 1, 2018 disturbances that led to the death of six people.