Zimbabwe's Foreign Minister, Frederick Shava, criticized the United States for what he perceives as insincerity regarding sanctions, calling for the complete removal of all restrictions.
On Sunday, Shava informed the Southern African Development Community (SADC) about the US's purported sanctions removal but reiterated Zimbabwe's firm stance on the necessity of the complete lifting of the embargo.
"While this is a welcome development, it falls far, far short of what we expect and want. The fact that 11 Zimbabwean individuals have been placed on the so-called Global Magnitsky sanctions programme certainly points to the insincerity of the USA government on this matter," MInister Shava said during the SADC Council of Ministers in Luanda, Angola.
He added: "Our region, through SADC, has a long-standing position on sanctions against one of its members, my country. I am aware that the region’s position will inform and guide our discussion on the proposed SADC-USA Dialogue Forum."
"Zimbabwe would like to thank SADC countries for supporting the call for the lifting of the illegal and unwarranted sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by Western countries," the diplomat said.
The minister's stance comes as Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa also criticized Washington for the partial removal of sanctions.