Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Dr Sibusiso Moyo has complained over a “one-sided” character of diplomatic missions in Zimbabwe.
Speaking during a meeting with representatives of Western countries held in Harare on Thursday, Moyo said that the ambassadors should not interfere with the affairs of a sovereign state.
His remarks came a day after the USA, EU and Australia diplomats issued a joint statement castigating the government for blocking the MDC demonstration in Harare and violently dispersing protesters. Moyo said:
You may all have your personal likes or dislikes: you may have friends and acquaintances across the broad spectrum of Zimbabwean politics. Indeed, as diplomats, it is to be expected and it is perfectly acceptable that you should engage all players across that spectrum and gain as full as possible an understanding of this country and its robust socio-political and economic dynamic. Nothing is wrong with that.
But when any accredited representative allows themselves to become actively engaged in or associated with that political dynamic; and is sucked into the crude machinations which, today, constitute opposition politics in Zimbabwe, then, Excellencies, we do take offence and we do take exception.
The ruling ZANU PF has often accused Western states of engineering and sponsoring the regime change agenda in Zimbabwe.
The party also claims that the opposition MDC is the “mole” and “puppet” of these powerful states.
More: The Sunday Mail