Harare — THE inclusive Government has done everything possible to reform all sectors of the economy in the short space of time it has been in office and one wonders what else should be done to please Western donors, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said yesterday.
PM Tsvangirai was responding to assertions by a group of 17 "like-minded" Western donor countries, which met recently in the United States and pledged to assist Zimbabwe on condition that "it demonstrate its commitment to reform".
On his first day in office since the death of his wife Susan, PM Tsvangirai told journalists that there was no need to doubt reforms being embarked on and urged Zimbabweans to place their hopes on the inclusive Government.
"This country has embarked on a number of reforms -- the constitutional process, legislative reforms, economic reforms, media reforms . . . I do not know what other reforms they are talking about.
"I see no reason why everyone should doubt these reforms," he said.
At their meeting in Washington DC on March 20, Western countries agreed to work with Government to achieve specific goals identified in the broad-based agreement.
These included the restoration of the rule of law, economic stabilisation and growth, freedom of assembly, commitment to democratic processes and an end to "farm invasions".
They commended reform efforts undertaken by the inclusive Government and progress achieved so far.
PM Tsvangirai said the matter of alleged farm invasions was being dealt with.
"This is a matter of concern to us. Chaos is the last thing that should be in our minds. There is a process on land reform we have to follow . . . I have assigned the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee to address the issue."
He said Zimbabwe was on a recovery path.
"To Zimbabweans, your placing hope on this Government is not false. It is real," he said.
He gave a brief insight into his working relationship with President Mugabe.
"We have our regular meetings . . . I report to him every Monday.
"We operate on business-like relationship. Of course, we disagree from time to time, but not in a manner which is antagonistic. It is a productive relationship," he said.
President Mugabe has described his relationship with PM Tsvangirai as brotherly.
PM Tsvangirai, who has been on compassionate leave in South Africa, said he had recuperated and looked forward to the challenging responsibilities ahead.
"Well, it has been difficult, but I think like any other person who has lost a loved one you have to manage to get over it," he said.
The PM called for unity of purpose among Zimbabweans and condemned unnecessary tension.
"This country needs unity of purpose than at any other time . . . these challenges go beyond personal losses."
It was business as usual for the PM yesterday as he got briefings from various ministers.
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Unity of purpose, yes. It is commendable.
Unity of thought, no please! It would be back to square one under bloodstained Mugabe.
However, Tsvangirai should start by preaching to lunatic Mugabe first! Has there not been farm invasion of late? Mugabe denies it. MDC confirms it. Which is which?
When MDC ministers appeal for foreign funds while Mugabe buys his daughter a US$ 4 million luxurious apartment in Hong Kong - what message Mugabe is sending to prospective donors?
When Mugabe refuses to swear in Bennett, is he not reconfirming what he said that he owns Zimbabwe? WHat message is he sending to prospective donors?
When Mugabe says he refuses to recognize the legality of the SADC Court of Appeal, what message is he sending to prospective donors?
Tsvangirai is in a fix! Mugabe is doing everything to undermine the work of his ministers.
Zimbabwe continues to be run as a police state. Tsvangirai has no say in matters concerning rule of law. Devil Mugabe is in charge. Is he not the executive president? How then can Morgan take credit of "reforms" that have never been implemented?
The Prime Minister, a brother, has finally seen the light: that once you give in one inch to the silly demands of the West, it is a slippery slope to the gutter, a race to the bottom: slavery.
THE WEST has no interest in Africa, except as a site where it can flex its rapidly emaciating muscles WITH IMPUNITY.
Mr. Prime Minister, we warned you; now you, in the spirit of Socrates, have arrived at the truth BY YOURSELF, and the path of self-disclosure closes any and all attempts to efface the truth thus disclosed.
It becomes a possession of your soul, activating and guiding your cognitive and practical drives.
The truth has finally hit home, and a home run, it is, for revolutionary Zimbabweans, a fumble for rhodies.
richerson88 no MT has not seen the light just been blinded by the darkness (Mugabe & Zanu-pf) so you already know this problem. I mean it all looks good on paper and you can have plans and programs all you want but there has been no proof that any of these will be implemented and until Zimbabwe shows proof with action and a true unified government for the people then well you and others will stay in the gutter you placed yourselves in, excuse me that over the past ten years I will give credit to Mugabe and the Zanu-pf for that and anyone who supports them. Sorry to inform you but open your eyes you are already at the bottom!
As far as Socrates well he and his spirit have long been gone and no longer exist and hold to his beliefs but it will lead you to complete destruction...
Afric, I wonder how Jellybaby could say about seeing the light. He's so much up his own posterier that he is in total darkness at all times, He talks a lot of you know what.
Well said Prem. Zimbabwe continues to be run as a police state and no amount of well thought words will the facts as they stand on the ground. Mugabe, the unelected, has only released a token amount of power to Tsvangirai who now has obviously been told by Mugabe so secure aid from the west so that he can continue to stick his hand in the cookie jar and fund his lavish lifestyle.
I bet the ZANU PF ministers are really hoping that the west will provide some aid, so they too can stick their hand in the jar again.
The west is too smart for this, so will see through this nonsense.
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