Hansard: Minister 's Responses

House: National Assembly

Date of Meeting: 17 Feb 2010

Summary

No summary available.

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Minutes

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Thursday, 18 February 2010

THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY

EUROPEAN UNION SANCTIONS ON ZANU-PF

(Minister's Response)

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION: Chairperson, there were some concerns raised by a member of the Opposition about the people of Zimbabwe. While one appreciates his concern, he also went on to praise the renewal of the sanctions by the European Union against the people of Zimbabwe.

I think the hon member is out of step because the Southern African Development Community, Sadec, has called for the unconditional lifting of the sanctions; the African Union has called for the lifting of the sanctions; and both factions of the Movement for Democratic Change, the MDC, have also called for the lifting of the sanctions. We must remember that sanctions don't help the situation in Zimbabwe; they actually worsen the situation in Zimbabwe by hampering economic growth and the economic development of the people of Zimbabwe.

It is rather strange that the DA should be out of step with the people of Africa. Everyone, the whole continent, including the parties in Zimbabwe, has called for the lifting of the sanctions.

There is a great deal of hypocrisy as far as the EU is concern. They are very quick to impose sanctions on Zimbabwe. When one recollects the massacre that took place in Gaza, one will remember that the EU refused to condemn the Israeli aggression against Gaza, let alone calling for sanctions.

Recently there was a report by Justice Goldstone, an eminent South African judge, of atrocities committed in Gaza. The EU refused to support Goldstone's recommendation or condemn the brutalities that are committed by Israel.

So, can you see the hypocrisy of the EU? Yet, the DA has the audacity to come here and praise the EU for imposing sanctions ... [Time expired.] I am done. Thank you. [Applause.]

The MINISTER OF SPORT AND RECREATION

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