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Tendai Mugabe Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe will continue to pursue its people-oriented policies and will not be deterred by the maintenance of illegal sanctions imposed by some Western powers, Zanu-PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo has said. Speaking during a meeting with the incoming head of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mr Olivier Dubois, at the Zanu-PF headquarters in Harare yesterday, Cde Khaya Moyo said Zimbabwe sought to normalise relations with all countries of the world.

He, however, said it was clear from the onset that the West would not accept a Zanu-PF victory in the recent harmonised elections.

“We are not deterred by that (maintenance of sanctions) because we knew that if we won as Zanu-PF, they will not be excited about the results. But if the opposition had won, the elections would have been declared very free and very fair,” he said.

Cde Khaya Moyo said Zaun-PF was not perturbed by that stance.

“But I can assure you that we mean well to everybody, the whole world. We believe in true humanity. We do not bear a grudge against anyone. We have even said that let us return to normalcy in terms of our relations with the West, but they seem to be not quite certain of what to do. We do not know why.”

Cde Khaya Moyo said the MDC-T, which is a favourite of the West, would never win elections as long as the party continued with its retrogressive politics that do not benefit the generality of Zimbabweans.

He said MDC-T does not have clear policies that mattered to the lives of the people. Cde Khaya Moyo said Zanu-PF won the elections because of its pro-people policies.

“Our manifesto speaks to our people that we want to indigenise the economy. We want to empower our people and to develop the country so that everybody feels part of this new era of economic revival,” he said.

“We are quite definite that the mandate that people gave us as a party to win with over two-thirds majority is a clear stamp to us that we should implement these policies and programmes.”

Cde Khaya Moyo hailed ICRC for not meddling in the politics of the country like other non-governmental organisations operating in the country.

“One thing that we have liked about ICRC is that you have never been political,” he said.
“You have always been apolitical, unlike a plethora of NGOs we have here – over 2 000 by the way – who have delved in our internal affairs in a manner which is almost unbelievable.

“The ICRC is one organisation that we hold in high esteem. You have been doing a tremendous job here and we are grateful.”
Mr Dubois said he looked forward to working in harmony with the authorities.

“I feel very honoured to be here and your words about the recognition of the non-political nature of the ICRC go directly to my heart. We have always strived to be apolitical for the 150 years that we have been in existence. I strive to continue the work for the benefit for the people of Zimbabwe and also continue the co-operation with the relevant authorities of whom we have been co-operating with for the past years.”

Outgoing ICRC head of regional delegation Mr Pascal Cuttat described Zimbabwe as a peaceful country.
Meanwhile, congratulatory messages continue to pour in for Cde Khaya Moyo following his appointment as Senior Minister of State.
Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Russia Boniface Chidyausiku said Cde Khaya Moyo deserved the appointment because of his hard work.
“Destiny of hard work is always success,” he said. “You deserved the recognition for a job well done. You have worked hard, savour every moment for you have earned it.”

The Zanu-PF South African district chairperson, Cde Ndabezinhle Nyoni, said: “Congratulations to you National Chairman of Zanu-PF and Senator on your appointment as the Senior State Minister. As Zanu-PF South Africa, having been with you, got some advice and guidance from you, we believe you deserve the portfolio.”

Cde Nyoni said Cde Khaya Moyo’s commitment to Zanu-PF and the people of Zimbabwe reflected in his work in the party.