By Miriam Mangwaya | News Day |
Government has defended its decision not to vote against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Wednesday at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, saying it chose to abstain because it does not support the imposition of sanctions against member States.
The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the majority of the member States calling on Moscow to stop the aggression.
A total of 141 member States voted for the anti-Russia resolution.
Zimbabwe, China and South Africa were among the 35 countries which abstained, while Eritrea, North Korea, Syria, Belarus and Russia voted against the resolution.
In a statement yesterday, Foreign Affairs acting minister Amon Murwira said Zimbabwe abstained from the UN vote because the Russia-Ukraine conflict was complex.
“Zimbabwe abstained in that (UN) vote. We wish to assure you that Zimbabwe is a strong believer in the UN Charter and all its principles and purposes including the peaceful settlement of disputes,” he said.
“The situation in Ukraine is a very complex one and is deeply-rooted in the history and geopolitics of that region. Zimbabwe believes that it is the duty of the international community not to make that situation more complex than it already is.
“The international community must tirelessly work towards the facilitation of dialogue aimed at finding a durable solution to the situation. Unilateral sanctions have never worked to resolve any situation. On the contrary, sanctions unleash untold humanitarian crises and the suffering of ordinary people.”
UN General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding.
Russia launched full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24 pleading self-defence from its rival under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Political commentator Vivid Gwede said Harare’s decision was predictable given its strong links with Russia.
“Given how the Zimbabwean government is historically cosy with Russia and the Eastern bloc’s autocratic ideologies as well as how it has previously voted with and been supported by China and Russia in the UN, it would have wished to return the favour by even voting against the resolution. The other possibility is that Zimbabwe fears repercussions of antagonism with the West at a time when it has been wishing to re-engage,” he said.
It’s good for national interest… maintaining equidistant position from extreme ones…
Patrick Makoni it’s good for a nation interest .is it good also for innocent pple who dying being killed. Ok yaa u are right even zim is also killing two killers
Unfortunately, we had Zim university students who were studying in Ukraine.
Chris Musora who in Normal sense can sent children to study in such countries 🤭🤔
Except communist Politicians siblings
Russia is to Fifa world cup in 2022 or otherwise there will be no world cup… Vladimir is the boss
For the first time, let me concur with the illegitimate government of Zim.
Oris Mgwenya What came first – Invasion of Ukraine or Imposition of sanctions?
Mabus paBelarus
Fuck the government
It’s senseless reason! Even if Russian Army is killing innocent civilians, in Ukraine? It’s only that, Zimbabwe is also sanctioned by the same people, as Russia is now. The fact is that, aggression is a crime, if our regime chooses to stay, over voting against, it means they are legalizing crime. That crazy is not new in our eyes, that’s how Mnangagwa is, he even lost presidential election, but manipulated results in his favor, he legalized his defeat, to become president. People like him can dance according to Russia evil.
Solomom Maoneke but America is always good in your eyes when they kill people In other countries and you keep quiet to hell
Russia is slowly changing the political field,because it’s a European country under attack,the world is shaking,bt Iraq,Palestine,Syria,no one complained
They tried what Putin has done cool down
They tried the game even Iran general was wiped cool down
Simbarashe Musambasi true let them figth to death
If it was a good decision then no need to come out and defend it
Tafadzwa Mhlanga True
Tafadzwa Mhlanga for sure but just alito bit of clarification for us who have spent better part of our lives in ma Plazzi 😂😂😂
Is the vote important,
You do not support the imposition of sanctions against UN member states, fair and square. My question for you is, how would you like the UN to deal with bullies/aggressors like Russia and dictatorships like you, military interference may be?
Blood suckers
The only good move since the formation of ZANU PF