PRESIDENT Mugabe inspects a parade in the company of Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Guveya Chiwenga during the 31st ZDF Day celebrations at the National Sports Stadium in Harare August 10, 2011., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.
End your riots first, President tells UK
Wednesday, 10 August 2011 07:37
PRESIDENT Mugabe inspectsed a parade in the company of Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Guveya Chiwenga during the 31st ZDF Day celebrations at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
Herald Reporters
THE United Kingdom government should concentrate on solving its internal problems such as the ongoing riots instead of meddling in other countries' affairs, President Mugabe has said.
Addressing thousands of people gathered at the National Sports Stadium yesterday to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, said Zimbabwe and the African continent wanted peace to prevail, not external interference.
"Let them attend to their problems now that they are experiencing problems, which have dogged other countries before and they have in those circumstances accused those countries of lacking freedom.
"Let them tell us what is happening whether there is lack of freedom or it's something else. Britain now is on fire, London especially and we hope that they will extinguish their fire. They should pay attention to their internal problems and to that fire, which is blazing all over and leave us alone because we do not have any fire here.
"We don't want them to continue creating unnecessary problems in our country. We want peace . . . the people of Zimbabwe want peace . . . the people of our region, Sadc, Comesa and the African Union want peace and not interference.
"There is a lot to do in Europe and please leave us alone," he said to thunderous applause from the crowd.
Riots, widespread looting and vandalism broke out in London on Saturday following the shooting of a 29-year-old man by British police in Tottenham.
Turning to the conditions of service of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mugabe said Government would continue working to address the low salaries.
"I am aware of the need for the improvement of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces' conditions of service, which fall far short of the expected standards.
"Efforts will be redoubled to ensure that the issues of poor salaries, shortage of accommodation and transport, insufficient medical support, rations and uniforms are addressed.
"The issue of pensions for members who retired prior to the emergence of the multiple currency regime should also receive urgent attention. Salaries should certainly be increased to levels above the poverty datum line," he said.
President Mugabe said the problems of low salaries within the ZDF emanated from the illegal sanctions.
"Our constraints on the socio-economic terms derive from the fact that we have sanctions and these sanctions continue to hurt our people in various ways.
"We once again appeal to those who have imposed sanctions to heed our call that the sanctions should go," he said.
The President lauded the Chinese for their continued support of the ZDF.
He said poor budgetary provisions and the effects of the illegal sanctions stalled projects such as the acquisition of equipment and the construction of accommodation at Dzivaresekwa.
"When our friends from China responded to our plight in this regard, they donated critical plant and engineering, medical and office equipment to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, which equipment was officially handed over to the Minister of Defence by the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China," he said.
President Mugabe hailed the forces' loyalty since 1980.
The ZDF were formed from the amalgamation of Zanla, Zipra and former Rhodesian forces.
"Since independence, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have become, on both the local and international fronts, synonymous with impeccable discipline, bountiful success and people orientedness.
"During the periods the country has experienced floods, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have reconstructed damaged roads, schools and clinics, while seeking out and rescuing marooned victims and distributing relief food to the victims of the floods," he said.
President Mugabe said the ZDF have embarked on other projects such as Operation Maguta/Inala and recently conducted eye operations in Victoria Falls in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Eyes for Africa and some Chinese doctors.
Internationally, President Mugabe commended the ZDF for their role in safeguarding Zimbabwe's trade routes during the Mozambique campaign and restoring national sovereignty in the DRC and various other UN missions worldwide.
The President also commended the ZDF staff development initiatives at its various institutions and the construction of the National Defence College.
The College is being constructed by the Anhui Foreign and Economic Construction Company from a US$97 million loan facility obtained from the Chinese government.
The Chief of the South African National Defence Forces General Solly Shoke and Major General Graca Tomas Chongo, the commander of Mozambique National Army graced this year's ZDF Day commemorations.
Other visiting commanders include Major General Raul Dique, Mozambique's Air Force commander and Lieutenant General Francois Olenga, the Inspector General of the DRC National Defence Forces.
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