MDC PRESS
Theft of Passports Is Facile and Primitive Revenge
The threat by the illegitimate Mugabe regime to retaliate against international targeted sanctions by confiscating the passports of senior figures in the MDC would be an unconstitutional and illegal tactic and a blatant attack on the fundamental right of movement as enshrined in Section 17 of Zimbabwe's constitution. This section protects the right of every Zimbabwean to move freely within Zimbabwe and to travel outside the country. Contrary to the assertion of Home Affairs Minister John Nkomo, the possession of a passport is not a privilege but a constitutionally enshrined right.
We do not doubt for a moment that Mugabe, and his cohorts, are planning retribution and revenge in response to the EU's decision to significantly extend the number of individuals covered by targeted sanctions. Punishing the MDC and civil society leaders and critics for advocating and supporting the imposition of targeted sanctions is a predictable response from a dictatorial, corrupt and bankrupt regime.
Such a move however wouid be counter-productive and serve no purpose apart from giving Mugabe and his cohorts the glee and enjoyment of primitive revenge. Unconstitutionally and illegally confining pro-democracy activists within Zimbabwe's borders, and denying them freedom of movement, would simply accelerate Zimbabwe's international isolation and push the Mugabe regime further into a cul-de-sac from which there is no escape.
Taking away the passports of afew individuals will not resolve the monumental crisis facing Zimbabwe, which is caused by the misguided and anti-people policies of Mr Mugabe. You cannot silence the millions of people who desire an end to tyrannical rule. The confiscation of passports would be an irrational and desperate move and would simply exacerbate Zanu PF's problems. Mugabe has few friends left, even at the regional level. Petty tit-for-tat tactics will only serve to alienate Mugabe further from those African leaders who are championing the cause of good governance and a respect for core democratic values."
The simple fact is that if the regime adopted a more constructive approach and ended the state sponsored political violence, ended the manipulation of food aid and introduced a series measures that were intended to restore democratic legitimacy to Zimbabwe the international community would not need to impose measures that demonstrates its moral repugnance towards Mugabe and his cohorts.
Rather than seeking pointless revenge, those targeted by punitive measures should be focusing on tackling the real issues which are affecting ordinary Zimbabweans: poverty, unemployment, economic stagnation, the impending famine and starvation and the collapsed health sector which is worsening the HIV/AIDS pandemic. These are some of the critical issues that are affecting ordinary Zimbabweans and this is why the MDC has never advocated the introduction of blanket sanctions as this would exacerbate the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe.
MDC Secretary General, Welshman Ncube
Harare - 1 August 2002
For Further Information, Please Contact:
Nkanyiso Maqueda, Information Manager - 00263 91 248 570
BRUSSELS, Grace Kwinjeh - 0032 494 1 81 621
LONDON, James Littleton - 00 44 7771 501 401
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