Mugabe says Zimbabwe can help itself without sanctions

Mugabe says Zimbabwe can help itself without sanctions

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Posted to the web: 01/12/2008 17:40:41
ZIMBABWE, under international sanctions, faces economic ruin because of the "illegal" stance taken by foreign states who want to change its government, President Robert Mugabe said on Saturday.

Speaking at a U.N aid summit in Qatar's capital, Doha, the Zimbabwean leader called for the end of sanctions so the government can turn around the African state's economic woes.

"Zimbabwe has been and continues to be a victim of unilateral and illegal coercive measures which by in large were instituted to control the manner in which the country utilises its own resources and also aimed at undermining the government through regime change which is illegal," he said.

A visibly tired Mugabe, who has ruled for 28 years, said it was impossible for Zimbabwe to attain global goals for reducing extreme poverty because of the impact of sanctions on its economy.

Inflation in Zimbabwe is officially over 230 million percent. Its chronic economic crisis, including massive food shortages, prompted the U.N. to plead for generosity this week in funding a $500 million humanitarian appeal for the southern African country. A lack of sanitation services has exacerbated a fast-spreading cholera outbreak in the country.

Mugabe, who is talks on a power-sharing government with political rivals, insisted Zimbabwe had the capacity to help itself if not for sanctions.

"The sanctions imposed on the country have had social and economic affects on Zimbabwe's key economic sector and have adversely affected the vulnerable groups in our society," he said.

Mugabe also called for the reform of the International Monetary Fund, which he accused of “organisational bias” against weaker third world countries.

“The voice and participation of countries in the decision making process of international financial institutions to make them more democratic is an issue that remains unresolved. The level of participation of developing countries in decision making within these institutions does not reflect the numerical strength and influence of developing countries in the global system,” Mugabe said.

He added: “It is regrettable that the repeated calls to reform these institutions, including the issue of the redistribution of voting rights at the IMF, continue to fall on deaf ears.

“The policy orientation… a general and organisational bias of the Bretton Woods institutions have tended to favour the interests of more powerful members against the weak.

“For instance, even after Zimbabwe had cleared its arrears with the IMF, that institution could still not rise above the bidding of its masters to renew lending to my country.”

Critics have accused Mugabe of destroying one of Africa's most promising economies with controversial policies, including his seizures of white-owned farms for redistribution to inexperienced blacks, and they see no hope for the country without a change in government. - Reuters
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