Zimbabwe Times
May 30, 2009
By Our Correspondent
BULAWAYO – The British Ambassador Andrew Pocock has said signs of positive change are now showing in Zimbabwe, prompting Western countries to consider assistance for the country.
Western countries have insisted on substantive democratic reforms as a benchmark before they can directly support the coalition government formed between Zanu-PF and the MDC parties in February.
Pocock indicated that Western governments were now ready to assist the country with direct aid because of the thawing relations between Zimbabwe and its former colonial power and other countries.
“We feel change is in the wind,†Pocock said Thursday afternoon. “It may not be quick or fast. It might delay but we can see change coming to Zimbabwe.â€
He was addressing students at Northlea High School in Bulawayo with Senator David Coltart, Education Minister, where the British Embassy was presenting a donation of textbooks worth US$5 000 to eight secondary schools in the city.
The text books, which the Ambassador said were aimed at helping the government revive the crumbled education sector, were shared between Northlea, Emganwini, Montrose, Hamilton, Cowdray Park, Magwegwe, Emakhandeni and Entumbane secondary schools.
“Zimbabwe has many international friends and that friendship has never been lost even when it was frosty for years,†he said. “Zimbabwe’s friends are ready and already beginning to assist this country with resources as they see change coming.â€
Relations between Zimbabwe and the West hit a low over human rights violations and poor governance by President Robert Mugabe’s administration.
Mugabe, who formed a coalition government with the opposition in February, has denied committing human rights violations and accused the West of pursuing an agenda to oust him.
Western governments have demanded political and economic reforms before direct aid can start flowing in to assist the coalition government rebuild the country’s economy.
About US$8 billion is needed by the coalition government to revive the economy. So far it has secured nearly US$1 billion.