Let’s resolve differences amicably, Zimbabwe tell US ambassador

Zimbabwe today told United States ambassador Brian Nichols to stop being antagonistic towards the government and use diplomatic channels to air any grievances he might have.

Nichols has been accused of supporting anti-government activists who are pushing a regime change agenda through unsubstantiated narratives against Zimbabwe, including that the country was in the midst of a human rights crisis.

The ruling ZANU-PF party has denounced Nichols’ behaviour and labelled him a thug.

Foreign Affairs Minister Sibusiso Moyo tweeted after meeting Nichols: “We resolved to address our differences diplomatically and not to antagonise each other.”

Moyo described his meeting with Nichols as fruitful.

“We agreed to forge close cooperation between our two countries we have a lot in common that should bring us together than dividing us.”

Using its tweeter handle, the Ministry said the discussions between the two were open and positive.

“They discussed bilateral cooperation in all sectors of the economy and agreed to improve their relations. It was a frank discussion focused on uniting the two countries,” the ministry said.

The United States embassy said the discussions were “constructive”.

“Constructive and wide-ranging discussion with Foreign Minister Moyo.  I welcomed progress in court cases involving Godfrey Kurauone, Frank Chikowore, Samuel Takawira.  Stressed importance of continued efforts to improve respect for human rights,” Nichols tweeted referring to an MDC activist and two journalists who were recently acquitted.

“I briefed FM Moyo on US efforts to combat COVID-19 in Zimbabwe including $19.3 million that supports laboratory testing, trains frontline healthcare workers, and feeds urban families.  Major new equipment donation coming!

“American government and private sector cooperation on agriculture and food security with USAID’s new $19.8 million FARM technical training and assistance program and John Deere’s equipment will make a major difference.”

Relations between Harare and Washington have been frosty since Zimbabwe embarked on the fast track land reform programme at the turn of the millenium. –NewZiana/Own

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