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Takunda Maodza in NYANGA
THE Political Actors’ Dialogue (POLAD) has resolved to engage the United Nations (UN), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank (WB) and the international community over the need to urgently remove illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West two decades ago.

POLAD is an assembly of 17 political parties that participated in harmonised elections last year.
Addressing a Press conference at the close of a two-day workshop in Nyanga on ZIDERA and sanctions here yesterday, POLAD co-convener and National Peace and Reconciliation Commission chairperson Justice Selo Nare said sanctions were a threat to life.

“Following the workshop and dialogue that has taken place, the political actors have resolved to: engage the UN, IMF, World Bank and the international community with regards to sanctions and to raise awareness on the impact of sanctions on ordinary citizens,” said Justice Nare.

POLAD also resolved to urge the African Union (AU)to join Zimbabwe in its fight against sanctions and to lobby for the development of internal capabilities by encouraging domestic industrial independence. Further, the political parties recommended improving relations with other nations that have not imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe and thanked the Sadc community for its solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe. POLAD also resolved to encourage Government to implement mitigating solutions against the effects of sanctions on ordinary citizens, launch an official social media site and website. It will present its recommendations on sanctions to the President.

“It should be noted that POLAD is committed to finding solutions through dialogue. It is POLAD’s agenda to act as a bridge that unites the nation.

“Peace, unity and national interest are paramount pillars of our future. Sanctions are a threat to our way of life, our humanity and collective prosperity,” said Justice Nare.

POLAD reiterated the need for Zimbabweans to join hands and fight the illegal sanctions saying the embargo was causing pain and suffering. “Let us recall that our struggle can only end when we are free to determine our own destiny,” added Justice Nare.