Had He Been Alive Tsvangirayi Would Have Supported The Removal Of Sanctions = Eddie Cross
Renowned Veteran economist and political commentator Eddie Cross has reiterated that had Tsvangirayi been alive he would have argued for those seeking for a strategy change with the west.
Eddie on his website said those saying targeted sanctions affect the economy are not ill-informed as it affects our ability to borrow on international markets and deny our banks normal relationships with other banks and because of that US forces monitor our funds’ transfers because Zimbabwe is viewed as a risky country.
Eddie opined:
Our Banks are, in the majority, denied normal relationships with international banks and any money transfer of over US$5000 is monitored by the US Authorities. The recent unilateral imposition of a ‘fine’ on our largest Bank of US$300 million is just one more example of this bullying activity. We cannot hope to compete or to grow our economy until such constraints are removed and the main casualty of this process is not those targeted but the poor and the marginalised. The very people who have fought a brave and tough campaign to end the one Party State and bring us back to democracy under a half decent Constitution.
If he had lived to this day, Morgan Tsvangirai would have joined forces with those who have argued for a change in strategy by the West. Have sanctions changed Cuba one iota? No! Obama was right by opening up Cuba to trade and tourism, change would inevitably come to Cubans – who in the meantime be able to make a better living.
Sanctions are a blunt instrument that seldom produces change in the countries so targeted. One thing history tells us is that opening up societies and raising living standards and building up the middle class is a better way.
Eddie was speaking at the back of the government’s anti-sanctions day that was held on Friday. The US and the EU have however denied that sanctions affect ordinary Zimbabweans.
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