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Zim PM has made his first call for an end to international sanctions

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Pretoria, March 6, IRNA -- Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has made his first call Friday in the zim Capital, Harare, for an end to international sanctions, part of his bid to begin rebuilding the shattered economy.

Tsvangirai, who joined President Robert Mugabe in a unity government last month, said in his maiden speech to parliament that Zimbabwean efforts to solve the country's political crisis through power-sharing had to be recognised.

"I urge the international community to recognise our efforts and note the progress we make in this regard and to match our progress by moving towards the removal of restrictive measures," Tsvangirai said.

The US and European Union have put in place targeted sanctions against certain individuals close to Mugabe and some Zimbabwean companies.

Reviving the shattered economy was the main priority of the new government with Mugabe, but the persecution of activists was making it hard to win donor financing.

"No donor country or institution is going to offer any meaningful assistance unless our new government projects a positive image," Tsvangirai said.

Donors led by former colonial power Britain and the US have warned that they will not provide major financing and investment until Mugabe proves he is willing to reform.

"What we need is to re-establish fully relations with the international donor community (that would) be respectful of our sovereignty, not a relationship essentially based on humanitarian assistance." Tsvangirai warned.

The Southern African Development Community is planning a heads of state summit to consider financing proposals presented by Zimbabwe.