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TGTE Urges UN Human Rights Council to Take Strong Action Against Sri Lanka Despite China’s Pledge to Protect Sri Lanka
New Cardinal-elects express surprise and gratitude – Vatican News
Archbishop Wilton Gregory
Cardinal-elect Wilton Gregory released the following statement on the news from the Vatican this morning:
“With a very grateful and humble heart, I thank Pope Francis for this appointment which will allow me to work more closely with him in caring for Christ’s Church.”
Archbishop Gregory is originally from Chicago and was Archbishop of Atlanta, GA prior to being appointed as the Archbishop of the nation’s capital in May 2019. He is the first African-American to be elevated to the College of Cardinals.
Father Mauro Gambetti, OFM Conv
The spokesperson for the Sacro Convent in Assisi, Father Enzo Fortunato, released the reaction of Cardinal-elect Father Mauro Gambetti, the monastery’s Guardian. This is one of the “Pope’s jokes”, were the first words he said after learning of his elevation. The statement continued saying:
“I gratefully and joyfully welcome this news in the spirit of obedience to the Church and in service to all humanity in this time that is so difficult for all of us. I entrust my path to St Francis and make my own his words about fraternity. This is a gift I will share with all of God’s children on the path of love and compassion toward the neighbor, our brother or sister.”
Archbishop Silvano Tomasi
Archbishop Tomasi stated: “I am totally surprised and I am grateful to the Pope for thinking of me.” He continued saying it is an honor not only for himself but also for his community, the Scalabrinian fathers and is a recognition of the diplomatic service he carried out on the Holy See’s behalf.
“It’s a combination of elements that converge in this recognition. I feel very grateful to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, and I think this recognition demands a further commitment to the service of the Church and of the Holy See.”
Monsignore Enrico Feroci, Pastor of the Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Love
Msgr Feroci says he found out he had been elevated to the College of Cardinals at 12:20 just as he was preparing to celebrate the 12:30 Mass. He said people were congratulating him and he had no idea what they were referring to. He interprets the Pope’s appointment not directed solely to him personally, but “to all the priests of Rome”. He continued saying that the priest is the one who “gives his hands to the Bishops in order to touch the Body of Christ which is the People of God. Therefore, Pope Francis wanted to thank the hands of so many priests”. Msgr Feroci also said he has not yet been able to speak with or thank Pope Francis, but he hopes to do that soon.
Science, unity and solidarity, key to defeating COVID: UN chief
The Berlin-based summit is backed by the UN World Health Organization (WHO), involving 100 countries, and around 2,500 participants, geared towards improving health worldwide and respond to global health challenges.
Secretary-General António Guterres in his video message, ran through the many disruptive effects of the coronavirus pandemic beyond the loss of more than 1,147,000 lives as of Sunday, and 42.5 million cases.
Around 500 million jobs have disappeared, with a monthly loss to the global economy of around $375 billion. Gender-based violence has skyrocketed, and mental illness “is a crisis within a crisis”. Some 24 million children could drop out of school, “with lifelong impact.”
“COVID-19 is driving us even farther off-course from achieving the vision and promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, said the UN chief, who said the first hard lesson of the crisis was that “we were not prepared.”
“Global health and emergency response systems have been tested and found wanting. Access to health is a human right denied to billions of people around the world. Universal Health Coverage is the path to high-quality, equitable, affordable healthcare. Strong public health systems and emergency preparedness are essential steps to greater resilience.”
‘Follow the science’
He added that “if we follow the science, and demonstrate unity and solidarity, we can overcome the pandemic. Public health measures including masks, physical distancing and hand washing, are proven means of keeping the virus at bay.”
Protecting the vulnerable is key, and staying away from events that simply spread the virus. Governments need to work with communities everywhere to share reliable information and build trust.
“Third, we need global solidarity every step of the way. Developed countries must support health systems in countries that are short of resources”, said Mr. Guterres, prioritizing the development of vaccines for everyone, everyone, as a public good.
‘More than lifesavers’
“Vaccines, tests and therapies are more than lifesavers. They are economy savers and society savers”, he said. “Relief will come not through one single step, but through smartly combining cutting-edge research with basic public health.”
The fourth lesson, he told delegates, was that misinformation and disinformation are “deadly allies of the virus. They are contributing to deaths and infections, and to social tensions that have led to violence.
“Unless we counter rumours, conspiracy theories and lies, they will negate our other efforts.”
He highlighted the UN’s Verified campaign, to ensure people have access to accurate advice that protects and promotes health.
“Let us use this opportunity to confront the COVID-19 crisis together, with the urgency and integrity it requires”, the Secretary-General concluded.
EU condemns Erdogan’s Macron comments as ‘unacceptable’
The EU‘s top diplomat Josep Borrell on Sunday condemned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for making what he described as “unacceptable” comments about his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.
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On Saturday, France had said it was recalling its envoy to Turkey for consultations after Erdogan said Macron needed his mental health checked.
“The remarks by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding President Emmanuel Macron are unacceptable,” Borrell tweeted.
“Call to Turkey to cease this dangerous spiral of confrontation.”
Erdogan accused Macron of having a “problem” with Islam and with Muslims for defending the right to show cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed — an act for which a French schoolteacher was murdered last week.
France and Turkey are at loggerheads over a range of issues including maritime rights in the eastern Mediterranean, Libya, Syria and the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.
And ties between Ankara and Brussels are similarly fraught, particularly with regard to Turkey’s oil and gas exploration activities in the eastern Mediterranean.
At a summit at the beginning of October, EU leaders adopted a carrot and stick approach, offering Ankara the prospect of closer ties and better trade if it commits to “pursuing dialogue in good faith and abstaining from unilateral actions”.
But it warned that the EU was prepared to use sanctions — possibly including broad-based economic measures — if Turkey persists with what Brussels sees as the illegal infringement of Cypriot waters.
“The conclusions of the European Council entail a real offer to relaunch our relationship, but political willingness is needed on the part of the Turkish authorities on this positive agenda,” Borrell tweeted on Sunday.
“Otherwise, Turkey will be even more isolated,” he added.
This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.
Blast kills students in Afghanistan – Vatican News
By Nathan Morley
The so-called Islamic State claimed responsibility for the explosion, but failed to provide any evidence supporting the claim. At the same time, the Taliban has rejected being connected to the incident.
According to local police, in addition to those killed, the blast injured 57 people in western Kabul.
Most of the victims were aged between 15 and 26.
Speaking on Saturday, soon after the atrocity, an Interior ministry spokesman said the attacker was trying to get into the education centre before being halted by armed guards.
A group connected to the so-called Islamic State claimed responsibility for a similar suicide attack in the summer of 2018, which left 34 students dead.
Separately, a roadside explosive killed nine people in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday after a bus carrying civilians ran over the device.
Police said a second explosive was triggered killing two police officers who were making their way to the scene of the bus bombing.
Elsewhere, the Afghan government claimed Sunday it had killed Husam Abd al-Rauf, a top al Qaeda propagandist sought by the FBI.
New Cardinals come from all corners of the earth – Vatican News
Bishop Mario Grech – General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops
Bishop Mario Grech was born in Qala (Malta), in the Diocese of Gozo on 20 February 1957. He completed primary school, high school school in Gozo, followed by philosophical and theological studies at Gozo’s seminary. After priestly ordination on 26 May 1984, he pursued higher studies in Rome and obtained a licentiate at the Lateran University and a Doctorate in Canon Law at the Angelicum. After returning to Malta, he exercised his ministry in the Cathedral of Gozo, in the National Shrine of Tá-Pinu, and was pastor of the parish in Kercem. He then carried out the office of Judicial Vicar of the Diocese, member of Malta’s Metropolitican Tribunal, professor of Canon Law in the Seminary. He was also a member of the College of Consultors, the Presbyteral Council and other diocesan commissions. Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of Gozo on 26 November 2011 where he remained until 2 October 2019 when Pope Francis appointed him Pro-Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, of which he became Secretary General on 15 September this year.
Bishop Marcello Semeraro – Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints
Bishop Semeraro was born in Lecce on 22 December 1947. He studied philosophy and theology at the Lateran University in Rome and received a Doctorate in Sacred Theology. He was appointed Bishop of Oria in 1998, Bishop of Albano in 2004. He was appointed the Secretary of the Council of Cardinals in 2013. This past 15 October, Pope Francis appointed him as Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
Archbishop Antoine Kambanda – Archbishop di Kigali (Rwanda)
Archbishop Kambanda was born in the Archdiocese of Kigali in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1990 by Blessed John Paul II on the occasion of his pastoral visit to Rwanda. All of the members of his family were killed during the war in 1994, except one brother who lives in Italy. Since his ordination he has served in several academic, pastoral, and administrative roles, including: director of Caritas in the Diocese of Kigali; director of the Diocesan Commission on Justice and Peace; professor of Moral Theology in the Major Seminary of Nyakibanda, Butare; and spiritual director of the Major Seminary of Rutongo, Kigali. Beginning in 2006 he has served as rector of the St. Charles of Nyakibanda Major Seminary in the Diocese of Butare. He was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Kibungo un 7 May 2013 and was subsequently appointed Archbishop of Kilgali on 19 November 2018.
Archbishop Wilton Daniel Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, DC (USA)
The archbishop-elect was born on 7 December 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, in the archdiocese of the same name, was ordained a priest on 9 May 1973 for the archdiocese of Chicago. He studied philosophy at Niles College and theology at Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois, and holds a doctorate in liturgy from the Pontifical Athenaeum of Saint Anselm in Rome (1980). After ordination, he held the following positions: parish vicar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish at Glenview; student in Rome (1976-1979); professor of liturgy at the Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, member of the archdiocesan Office for the Liturgy and master of ceremonies for Cardinals Cody and Bernardin (1980-1983). He was appointed titular bishop of Oliva and auxiliary of Chicago on 18 October 1983, and was consecrated the following 13 December. He was transferred to Belleville, Illinois, on 29 December 1993 and took possession of the see on 10 February 1994. He was appointed as metropolitan archbishop of Atlanta, Georgia, on 9 December 2004, and took office on 17 January 2005. On 4 April 2019, Pope Francis appointed him the Archbishop of Washington, DC.
Archbishop Jose Fuerte Advincula – Archbishop of Capiz, Philippines
Archbishop Advincula was born in Dumalag on 30 March 1952. He undertook philosophical studies at St Pius X Seminary in Roxas City before completing studies in theology at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Capiz on 14 April 1976 and become spiritual director of the St Pius X Seminary as well as a Professor and Dean of Studies. Subsequently he pursued highere studies in Psychology De la Salle University in Manila and Canon Law at the University of Santo Tomas and at the Angelicum in Rome. In 1995 he became Rector of St Pius X Seminary in Capiz, as well as Defender of the Bond, Promoter of Justice and Judicial Vicar of Capiz. In 1999 he became pastor of St Thomas Villanova in Dao. On 15 July 2001 he was appointed Bishop of San Carlos, and on 9 November 2011 was appointed Archbishop of Capiz. He has been a member of the Commission for the Doctrine of the Faith and of the Commission for Indigenous Populations.
Archbishop Celestino Aós Braco, O.F.M. Cap – Archbishop of Santiago, Chile
H.E. Msgr. Celestino Aós Braco, O.F.M. Cap., was born in Artaiz, archdiocese of Pamplona, Spain, on 6 April 1945. He carried out his philosophical studies in Zaragoza and his theological studies in Pamplona. He obtained a licentiate in psychology from the University of Barcelona, Spain. He gave his temporal religious vows as a Franciscan Capuchin on 15 August 1964 in Sangüesa and his perpetual profession on 16 September 1967 in Pamplona. He was ordained a priest in Pamplona on 30 March 1968. As a priest he subsequently held the following roles: in Spain, professor in Lecaroz-Navarra, vicar in Tudela, professor in Pamplona and vicar in Zaragoza. In 1983 he was sent to Chile, where he served as parish vicar in the parish of Longavi, superior of the Community in Los Ángeles, parish priest of the parish of San Miguel in Viña del Mar, superior of the Community of Recreo, episcopal vicar for consecrated life for the diocese of Valparaiso, and since 2008, parish vicar of the parish of San Francisco de Asís in Los Ángeles, diocese of Santa María de Los Ángeles. H.E. Msgr. Aós Braco was also provincial bursar for the Capuchins in Chile, promoter of justice of the ecclesiastical tribunal of Valparaiso, judge of the tribunal of the archdiocese of Concepción and treasurer of the Chilean association of canon law. He was appointed as bishop of Copiapó on 25 July 2014, and received episcopal ordination on the following 18 October. On 23 March 2019 he was nominated Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of the Archdiocese of Santiago, Chile to which he was subsequently appointed Archbishop on 27 December 2019.
Bishop Cornelius Sim – Apostolic Vicar of Brunei
Bishop Sim was born in Seria (Brunei) on 16 September 1951. He pursued a degree in engineering at Dundee University in Scotland followed by a Masters in theology at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, USA. He was ordained a priest on 26 November 1989. After exercising the priestly ministry in various parishes, he was appointed Vicar General of Brunei in 1995 and subsequently Apostolic Prefect on 21 November 1997. On 20 October 2004, St John Paul II elevated the territory to an Apostolic Vicariate and appointed him its first Apostolic Vicar.
Archbishop Augusto Paolo Lojudice – Archbishop of Siena-Colle Val d’Elsa-Montalcino
The bishop-elect was born in Rome in 1964, and was ordained a priest in 1989. He holds a licentiate in theology, with a specialization in fundamental theology. He has served in a number of pastoral roles, including parish vicar and parish priest, spiritual father of the Pontifical Roman Major Seminary, secretary of the Episcopal Commission for Migrations of the Italian Episcopal Conference. He was appointed as titular bishop of Alba Marittima in 2015. He has served as Secretary for the Italian Bishops’ Conference Commission for Migration. He became the Archbishop of Siena on 6 May 2019.
Father Mauro Gambetti, O.F.M. Conv. – Guardian of the Sacro Convento in Assisi
Father Gambetti was born in Castel San Pietro Terme (Bologna), in 1965 and pursued studies in mechanical engineering at the University of Bologna. He entered the Conventual Franciscans in 1992 and was ordained a priest in 2000. He exercised various ministries in Longiano, Emilia-Romagna. He became Provincial of the Conventual Franciscans of Emilia-Romagna in 2009 and subsequently became the Guardian of the Sacro Convento of St Francis in Assisi in 2013. He was elected President of the Intermediterranean Federation of Provincial Ministers of the Conventual Friars Minor in September 2017.
Bishop Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel – Bishop Emeritus of San Cristobal de las Casas
Bishop Esquivel was born on 1 May 1940 in Chiltepec (Mexico). He pursued philosophical and theological studies at the Seminary in Toluca and the Pontifical University of Salamanca in Spain and received a licentiate in Dogmatic Theology. He was ordained a priest on 25 August 1963. On 7 February 1991 he was appointed Bishop of Tapachula. During his time as Bishop of Tapachula, he also served as Secretary General of CELAM. Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of San Cristóbal de Las Casas on 31 March 31 200 where he remained until he resigned on 3 November 2017.
Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi, Former Apostolic Nunzio and Permanent Observer Emeritus to the United Nations and Specialized Agencies in Geneva
Archbishop Tomasi was born on 12 October 1940 in Casoni di Mussolente (Italy). He studied both in Italy and in the United States where he was ordained on 31 May 1965 as a Scalabrinian Father. He received a Doctorate in Sociology from Fordham University in New York. He served as Provincial Superior of the Scalabrinians as well. From 1983 to 1987 he served as Director of the Office for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees of the United States Bishop’s Conference. From 1989 to 1996 he was Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees. He became the Apostolic Nuncio of Ethiopia, Eritrea and Observer to the African Union in 1996, Apostolic Nuncio in Giubuti in 1999, and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and Specialized Agencies in Geneva in 2003, an office he carried out until 13 February 2016. On 9 April 2016, Pope Francis appointed him a member of the former Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace which is now the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Father Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap. – Preacher of the Papal Household
Father Raniero Cantalamessa is a Franciscan Capuchin Catholic Priest. Born in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, 22 July 1934, ordained priest in 1958. Divinity Doctor (Fribourg 1962) and Doctor in classical literature (Milan 1966). Former Ordinary Professor of History of Ancient Christianity and Director of the Department of Religious Sciences at the Catholic University of Milan. Member of the International Theological Commission (1975-1981) and for 12 years member of the Catholic Delegation for the dialogue with the Pentecostal Churches. In 1979 he resigned his teaching position to become a full time preacher of the Gospel. In 1980 he was appointed by Pope John Paul II Preacher to the Papal Household and confirmed in that position by pope Benedict XVI in 2005, and by Pope Francis in 2013. In this capacity he preaches a weekly sermon in Advent and Lent in the presence of the Pope, the cardinals, bishops an prelates of the Roman Curia and the general superiors of religious orders. He is also frequently invited to speak in many countries around the world, both to Catholic and Protestant audiences. He has received an Honorary degree in Laws from Notre Dame University (Indiana), in Sciences of communication from the University of Macerata (Italy) and in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio). In addition to his early scholar books on patristic Christology, Easter in the Ancient Church and other topics he has published numerous books on spirituality fruit of his preaching to the papal Household, translated in more than twenty foreign languages.
Msgr Enrico Feroci – Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Love in Castel di Leva
Msgr Feroci was born on 27 August 1940 in Pizzoli (Italy). He entered the Minor Seminary in Rome at the age of 11 years and was ordained a priest in 1965. He became vice-rector of the Minor Seminary in 1968. He then carried various ministries in the Diocese of Rome. He became a Chaplain of His Holiness, or a Monsignore, in 1995. He also served as a Consultor for the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees. In 2017 Rome’s Cardinal Vicar appointed Msgr Feroci the President of the Public Clerical Association associated with the Shrine of the Madonna of Divine Love, and a Canon of the Papal Basilica of St John Lateran. In 2019 he was appointed pastor of the Parish of Our Lady of Divine Love in Castel di Leva.
EU reaffirms support for programmes to reduce hunger
The move results from an agreement signed in November 2019, by the European Union, FAO and the Angolan government.
This agreement, allowed the implementation of the programme for Strengthening Resilience and Food and Nutrition Security (FRESAN) in the south of the country.
It is a programme estimated at USD 24.6 million which are earmarked to support projects related to agriculture and nutrition.
The E.U ambassador to Angola, Jeannette Seppen, highlighted the importance of financing with several international partners, with a view to strengthening food and nutrition security, as well as boosting the agricultural sector.
Jeannette Seppen, intervened by video conference in the act of launching 225 field schools, in FRESAN, by FAO, for the southern provinces of Huíla, Namibe and Cunene.
The diplomat assured that actions in these fields can also play an important role in promoting gender equality and empowering women.
She said that FRESAN, until now, is the European Union’s biggest humanitarian initiative in Angola, whose factor is based on the reduction of hunger and poverty among vulnerable families.
She also referred that the European Union is also cooperating with the provincial governments in the fight against the pandemic that threatens food and nutritional security.
FRESAN seeks to reduce hunger, poverty and vulnerability, as well as food and nutritional insecurity in the three Provinces, by strengthening resilience and sustainable family agricultural production, as well as improving the nutritional situation of families, supporting capacity development institutions, as well as research and promotion of nutrition.
FRESAN carried out in 2018 Studies on the Programme for Strengthening Resilience, Food and Nutrition Security in Angola which was financed by the European Union.
This Study indicates that 1.1 million people from the provinces of Huíla, Namibe and Cunene are affected by drought as consequences of climate change.
Pope Francis appeals for end to unrest in Nigeria – Vatican News
By Vatican News
Pope Francis during the Sunday Angelus appealed for an end to violent clashes in Nigeria.
From his studio above St Peter’s Square, the Pope said he was “following with particular concern the news that is coming out of Nigeria.”
He mentioned, “the violent clashes between security forces and a number of young people protesting.”
“Let us pray to the Lord so that any form of violence might be avoided, in the constant search for social harmony in the promotion of justice and the common good.”
Demonstrations
In the latest developments, Nigeria’s top police official on Saturday ordered the immediate mobilization of all officers to “reclaim the public space from criminal elements masquerading as protesters”.
His order came after days of peaceful protests over police abuses and then violent unrest that left at least 69 people dead.
There are fears this latest police order could fuel further tensions after the country’s worst turmoil in years.
The demonstrations in Nigeria, and the shootings by soldiers sparked immediate international condemnation.
The protests, which feature many young people, began with calls for a police unit, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), to be shut down. Now demonstrators are calling for broader reforms in the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari disbanded the unit on October 7, which has been accused of accused of torture and extra-judicial killings.
The new police order came as a 24-hour curfew loosened for the first time Saturday in Lagos, a city of some 20 million where wealth and poverty are in sharp contrast, inflaming grievances over inequality and corruption.
Amsterdam opts for diversity in street names – TheMayor EU
The Municipality of Amsterdam will soon be renaming its streets. The reason for this is that the current street names do not present an accurate reflection of the cultural diversity of the capital city and the contribution of the many cultures and ethnicities to its development.
The process, which started back in 2018 with an analysis of the state of affairs, will also involve local residents. They will get the chance to put forward the names of ordinary people, who have done a lot for the city.
A city with many faces
Amsterdam is one of the most diverse and open cities in the world. Its current population of 872 757 inhabitants (CBS.nl) includes people from 180 different countries. However, after studying the historical background of the names of the streets, the municipal authorities found out that this diversity is not well reflected in their naming.
In 2018, the city council adopted a proposal for increasing the diversity in street names, understanding that a change in the existing situation is needed. They realised that the large number of identities and cultures shaping the city’s identity together is not sufficiently conveyed through the names of these locations.
That is why it was decided not only to change them, but to make the entire process more open and transparent, involving a greater number of ordinary citizens. Residents will be invited to submit suggestions for strategic themes, such as ‘ordinary’ Amsterdammers who have done a lot for the city, who participated in sports, and who were active in human rights, migration, colonialism, slavery, war and art.
The college will ultimately decide on the selection of themes and the locals will be able to suggest names that fit in each theme. To facilitate this process, the municipality will launch an online platform where all information about street names, new and existing, can be found, and where suggestions can be submitted.
What is in a street name?
At this point, several conditions need to be met for a person to have a street named after them in Amsterdam. First of all, the name must be clear and recognizable; second – the person must have died at least 5 years ago (does not apply to members of the Royal Family) and have a special impact on society.
The names of ordinary people who may have made small contributions of great value to their neighbourhood will be accepted and names of women and other under-represented groups of society will be encouraged. Gender, origin, religion, disability, orientation, political preference will be considered so as to ensure maximum diversity. This method of street naming will be re-evaluated in five years.
In the almost 750-years long history of the Dutch capital, different motivations for selecting street names have existed – at first, it was the practical utility as a guide in the public space, in the late 17th century the elite used them for status and prestige, while in the 19th century they were reinvented to tell the story of the city, through the names of famous Dutch people.
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US, UK, EU, lie about Zimbabwe sanctions
The United States, European Union and United Kingdom vigorously pushed back on charges by President Emmerson Mnangagwa that sanctions are behind the economic collapse and the general poverty in the country.Zimbabwe has set aside October 25 as an ‘Anti-Sanctions Day' to push for the removal of the targeted sanctions imposed nearly two decades ago as punishment for human rights violations and electoral fraud.
In response to a deluge of stories and opinion pieces in the state-controlled media blaming the western countries for Zimbabwe’s woes, the US, UK and EU missions in Harare used social media to explain their positions.
James Duddridge, the UK minister for Africa, said London’s targeted sanctions against Zimbabwe were meant to rein in officials behind human rights violations.
“The UK stands up for human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
“Our sanctions only target those, who disregard these values in Zimbabwe and across the world,” Duddridge said on Twitter.
“The UK is committed to tackling corruption and ensuring a better future for Zimbabweans.”
British ambassador to Zimbabwe Melanie Robinson echoed the minister’s statements, saying the southern African country was being hurt by corruption and not sanctions as claimed by Mnangagwa’s government.
“Sanctions are a response to human rights violations. They don’t target ordinary citizens,” Robinson tweeted.
“The UK is on the side of the Zimbabwean people.
“In 2020-21 we’re providing $176 million aid reducing poverty, fighting Covid-19, standing up for human rights and the rule of law.”
She added: “There’s no UK trade embargo on Zimbabwe: we’ve just welcomed Zimbabwe’s ratification of an (Economic Partnership Agreement), which will mean exporters continue to enjoy tariff and quota-free access to the UK market.
“The UK is Zimbabwe’s 19th largest export market.”
The US and EU missions in Zimbabwe were also active on Twitter responding to government’s claims.
US ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian Nichols said e-galas, protests or seeking international solidarity against the embargo was a waste of energy.
He advised Mnangagwa to invest in reforms that he himself promised for the sanctions to be removed.
Nichols said despite the targeted sanctions, the US has stood by the people of Zimbabwe and worked together to promote democratic institutions, equitable economic growth, public health, and food security, which has seen the superpower fork out
US$3,5 billion to Harare since 1980.
The US remains the largest provider of health and humanitarian assistance, including the US President’s Emergency Fund for Aids Relief, food assistance, and disaster relief, to the people of Zimbabwe.
The EU said their only restrictive measures were against state-owned company Zimbabwe Defence Industries.
“The EU restrictive measures are a ban for European companies to do business with Zimbabwe Defence Industries and to sell arms to Zimbabwe,” the EU mission tweeted.
“That’s all. The EU has not imposed anything else on Zimbabwe.
“There is no evidence that the Zimbabwean economy is affected negatively by EU restrictive measures.
“There are no legal restrictions on EU investment entering Zimbabwe.”
Zimbabwe’s campaign against sanctions has received support from the Southern African Development Community, which says Mnangagwa is committed to reforms.
The ruling Zanu-PF accuses the opposition, especially the MDC Alliance, of campaigning for the imposition of sanctions on Zimbabwe.
On the other hand, the opposition says Zanu-PF invited the sanctions by failing to respect the rule of law and abusing human rights.
