By Margaret Kamba
ZANU PF National Chairman and Defence Minister Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri says Zimbabwe is a dependable friend and ally.
Speaking virtually at the International Forum of supporters of the fight against modern practices of neo-colonialism held in Russia, the National Chairman said the West has been weaponizing illegal sanctions in direct disregard of the dictates of international law.
"Allow me to thank His Excellency, Dmitry Medvedev, for facilitating and hosting this crucial meeting of the International Alliance of Political Parties and Social Forces in the Fight Against Modern practices of neo-colonialism. This forum is taking place during a decisive stage of our journey, which is aptly captured in our theme "For the Freedom of Nations" which must serve as a beacon to all progressive Political parties and social forces gathered here today," she said.
"The concept of Neo-colonialialism has attracted much Political attention due to a multitude of different forms of dependence and interference in the present international environment. A closer look at the operations of Neo-colonial forces indicate that mechanisms being applied are aimed at ensuring that Western hegemony remains embedded in the global order. Its application remain subtle, multiple and varying in one from one situation to another depending on the draconian goals."
She said "It is important to bear in mind that economic instruments have become the key tools of choice among Neo-colonial forces in their quest for total dominance in our globe.
"As we have seen time and again, the United States and its partners have seen weaponizing illegal economic sanctions in direct disregard of the dictates of international law. The main purpose of these sanctions is to influence the domestic or international behaviour of target states. In some cases, sanctions are intended to effect regime change in a target state. My country Zimbabwe, Russia, China, Cuba, Iran and Venezuela are some of the countries that have been victims of western-inspired sanctions and other forms of economic coercion or punishment.
"As we gather at this historic meeting we, thus, express our commitment to what our Forum stands for as encapsulated in the International Appeal by the Organising Committee of the Forum of Supporters Against Modern Practices of Neo-colonialialism. The proposals contained in the International Appeal of this Forum will consolidate the efforts of all socio-political Forces in counteracting destructive and hostile Neo-colonial Practices.
"ZANU PF is a Party of principles, a dependable friend and ally. Please take back our message of solidarity and reassurance to your respective Political Parties and Organisations. We are determined to play our part in the world wide struggle for the complete defeat of Neo-colonialialism and its equality evil twin, Neo-Imperislism."