HARARE - (ZimEye)EU chair, Swedens ambassador in Zimbabwe, Sten Rylander told government officials here on Saturday (Jul 18) that any new ties would have to be based on observance of human rights, respect for the rule of law, an end to farm invasions by Mugabe-backed militants and a repeal of repressive media laws. However, observers said the EU demands set it on a collision course with the government, which continues to flout civil liberties, ignore court orders and drag its feet on the introduction of the proposed Zimbabwe Media Commission to regulate the media.
Rylander said, Were now prepared to enter into dialogue provided there are deliverables and National healing is one of the central issues. There has to be truth, justice and true reconciliation.
He added: Government could do a lot to stop political persecution and violence. Zimbabwe should deal with human rights and the rule of law. Continuing disturbances on the farms should stop. The land audit and respect for property rights are important. Government should repeal repressive media laws. Hate speech and negative statements we see in the (state-controlled) press do not help. Asked by this correspondent to comment on Rylanders statement, Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara, who chaired the meeting railed at the Swedish ambassador.
Dont worry about what the Swedish ambassador wants. Do you want us to lock up our people? said Mutambara, in apparent reference to Mugabe supporters and members of the military who killed more than 200 mostly MDC supporters in the run-up to last years election re-run.
Post published in: News