Government has slammed the United States government for
placing State Security Minister Owen Ncube and Ambassador Anselem Sanyatwe on
the sanctions list.
In a statement yesterday, Foreign Affairs and International
Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo said the move eroded trust and confidence in
the relationship between Harare and Washington.
“We once again note with regret the inclusion of Honourable
Minister Owen Ncube and Ambassador Anselem Sanyatwe as specially designated
nationals on the OFAC US Treasury Sanctions list,” said Dr Moyo.
“Both officials were already placed on the State department
visa and travel negative list during the course of 2019. In both cases, the US
cited human rights abuses and political repression as the reasons for imposing
the sanctions.
“The decision can only further erode trust and confidence
in the relationship between Zimbabwe and the United States at a time when, more
than ever, confidence-building measures are required to sustain the ongoing
process of engagement between our two countries.”
In taking this action, Dr Moyo said, the US government
appears unilaterally to have charged, tried, convicted, and sentenced two very
senior Zimbabwean nationals, “surely the very antithesis of justice as we
understand it”.
He said the holding to account of any individual or
individuals anywhere in the world for alleged human rights abuses and or
political repression must be evidence-based as scrutinised in and upheld by a
court of law.
“Any other approach is surely in itself a violation of
those individuals’ human rights,” said Dr Moyo.
“Our Government does, however, register its deep
appreciation for the bilateral assistance being provided to Zimbabwe in many
areas.
“The US could be of even greater assistance by moving
towards the lifting of the sanctions, which it maintains in place and which it
renewed last week. Contrary to US government assertions, those sanctions
inflict collateral damage way beyond the individuals and entities included in
the OFAC list. This impacts negatively upon every Zimbabwean.”
Dr Moyo continued: “As I have said previously, regardless
of these negative developments and the lack of even-handedness in the US
approach to Zimbabwe, my Government will continue to engage in meaningful
dialogue with the United States. In parallel, we will continue to travel the
path of reform for the benefit of our people.” Herald
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