Published by the government of Zimbabwe
2 June 2008
Harare — THE British government is seeking to engage churches in Zimbabwe and Britain to boost its regime change agenda ahead of this months' presidential runoff.
The British's latest move, dismissed by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Cde Patrick Chinamasa as interference in Zimbabwe's internal affairs, follows the failure by the British to effect regime change through civic groups, non-governmental organisations and opposition parties.
Zimbabwe holds the runoff on 27 June.
In a response to a letter written by Ken Purchase, the Rhodesian-born Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East, on May 2, Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said they could not stand aloof with only a few weeks remaining before the second round of elections in Zimbabwe.
"We are in agreement that the crisis in Zimbabwe must be resolved as quickly as possible," the letter says.
The British government, the letter says further, could also enhance the resolution of the present crisis by engaging the leadership of the churches in Zimbabwe.
"The solidarity and prayer so notably led by the Most Reverend Primate, the Archbishop of York (Dr John Sentamu), is one way in which we can put pressure on the Government of Zimbabwe.
"The Right Reverend Prelate might be able to suggest ways in which more work could be done," it says.
Lord Malloch-Brown, whose family held extensive tracts of land in Rhodesia, is a former United Nations Development Programme representative to Zimbabwe.
In April, the archbishops of Canterbury and York -- Dr Rowan Williams and Dr Sentamu -- issued a joint statement on Zimbabwe, calling for renewed efforts by South Africa, the United Nations and Sadc to intervene.
On April 27, Dr Sentamu held his so-called prayer in solidarity with Zimbabwe in York Minster.
The letter also revealed that Britain had engaged the leaders of Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia and other African countries to press for a speedy regime change in Zimbabwe.
"We are pressing the United Nations Secretary-General to send an envoy of some kind to investigate the human rights situation and the intimidation. The previous Secretary-General's envoy (Ms Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka) played a critical role in stopping the violence around slum clearances," the letter says.
British Premier Gordon Brown has unequivocally stated that he would prop up an MDC-T government in Zimbabwe.
Britain and its allies have also imposed illegal economic sanctions on Zimbabwe as part of efforts to effect regime change.
The illegal embargo has caused untold suffering to ordinary people in an attempt to induce them to revolt against the Government and President Mugabe.
Cde Chinamasa blasted the British for interfering in Zimbabwe's internal affairs and contributing to the problems bedeviling the country.
"The British government continues to labour under a grave misunderstanding about Zimbabwe's status in the international community.
"They continue to regard us as their colony and debate the affairs of this country in their parliament," Cde Chinamasa said.
He said the continued interference was unjustified and should be stopped forthwith.
"This approach is completely unwarranted. This unwarranted interference in our domestic affairs by the British has contributed to the problems we have," he said.
Cde Chinamasa said Britain should leave Zimbabwe to resolve its problems internally.
"Because of the interference in Zimbabwe, the British have contributed in a large measure to the situation obtaining in the country," he said.
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