ZBC
20 July 2010
Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Senator David Coltart has blasted western countries for maintaining sanctions on Zimbabwe.
Speaking on BBC’s Hardtalk programme on Tuesday, Senator Coltart said the west is wrong in maintaining sanctions on Zimbabwe.
“The are very skeptical… They are wrong. I think that they are trying to be purists in their approach,†he said.
He said the West should give Zimbabwe’s inclusive government a chance to address the numerous socio-economic challenges facing the country.
Senator Coltart’s statement follows calls by the three main political parties in the inclusive government, SADC and the AU for the total removal of the sanctions.
Senator Coltart said although the three main political parties in the global political agreement have not fully resolved their political differences, the three leaders are committed to the inclusive government as there is no viable alternative but to continue working together.
He said: “I don’t think any of us will walk away. We have no viable alternative…if we walk away from this what are we left with? We will no doubt revert to the horrible days of 2008. What choice do we have?â€
He also acknowledged and hailed the progress made so far under the inclusive government in areas of education, health and media reforms.
The minister also refuted claims that the indigenisation law seeks to dispossess foreigners of their businesses, saying the amendments to the regulations will ensure that there is stability and growth in the country’s economy.