Published by the government of Zimbabwe
6 October 2008
editorial
Harare — THE Zimbabwe-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security has called for the immediate removal of the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West.
The commission was formed 24 years ago to deal with defence, crime and security issues bilaterally.
Speaking at the 24th session of the commission held in Kariba from September 30 to October 2, Zambian Minister of Defence and deputy chairperson of the commission Mr George Mpombo said sanctions were hurting ordinary Zimbabweans.
"The commission is greatly commending the people of Zimbabwe for the positive steps they took in finding a lasting political solution by signing the power-sharing deal last month.
"Sanctions should now be lifted to pave way for economic growth and revival," he added.
The commission deliberated on a wide range of issues affecting the two countries and the entire Sadc region and reflected on the minutes of the 23rd session held in Lusaka, Zambia, last year.
Among the issues discussed were the Zimbabwean economic situation, organised cross-border crime, successful parliamentary elections in Angola and Swaziland, the Democratic Republic of Congo conflict, the xenophobic attacks in South Africa and the HIV and Aids pandemic.
The commission said the Sadc region was increasingly becoming vulnerable to acts of terrorism, illegal migration, human and drug trafficking.
There was need, the commission noted, for continued support and co-operation in fighting these crimes among the two nation's defence and security forces.
Minister of State for National Security, Lands, Land Reform and Resettlement Cde Didymus Mutasa, who is the chairman of the 24th Commission, said the world should intensify efforts in restoring lasting peace to the DRC.
Power shortages were also discussed with the commission resolving that the interconnector between Zimbabwe and Zambia should be repaired urgently.
The session was attended by ministers of defence, home affairs, state security, defence forces commanders and directors of parks and wildlife authorities from Zimbabwe and Zambia.
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