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<\/a><\/p>\n14 December 2011<\/p>\n
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The United States’ decision to impose sanctions on two Zimbabwe diamond mining firms is a slap in the face of the international community that granted the country the nod to sell its gems, analysts have said.<\/p>\n
The analysts said the US had become a “pariah state”, disrespecting a collective decision by diamond mining countries under the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme.<\/p>\n
The US has added Mbada Diamonds and Marange Resources under its updated “specially designated” sanctions list.<\/p>\n
The list extends to any assumed names the companies might operate under, including Block Wood Mining and Condurango Investments.<\/p>\n
Political analyst Professor Jonathan Moyo yesterday said the US had an “evil” agenda against Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n
“The US has become a pariah state because the KPCS endorsement was a full and complete authorisation by countries under the international body. And there is one country going against a collective decision,” he said.<\/p>\n
“They are directly reacting to the KPCS endorsement and also confirming that they have got an evil agenda against our country.”<\/p>\n
Prof Moyo said the US was undermining the livelihoods and sovereignty of Africa. “They want us to be beggars, recipients of their so called humanitarian assistance.”<\/p>\n
Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation chairman Mr Goodwills Masimirembwa said it was now clear Western sanctions were not targeted.<\/p>\n
“The US is determined to see our economy collapsing so that it would put into effect its regime change agenda,” he said.<\/p>\n
“These two companies are the mainstay of our economy in terms of revenue and the Finance Minister (Tendai Biti) budgeted US$600 million to come from the diamonds.<\/p>\n
“They want people to suffer and revolt against their Government.” Mr Masimirembwa said Zimbabwe would sell its gems with or without the sanctions.<\/p>\n
Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu is on record saying Zimbabwe was geared to become an economic giant after the KP approval.<\/p>\n
Mbada Diamonds and Marange Resources both operate joint ventures with the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation, a State-owned company and private investors.<\/p>\n
ZMDC is also on the sanctions list.<\/p>\n
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