Sata congratulates Mugabe on his re-election

PRESIDENT Sata has congratulated Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on his re-election.
The President said Mr Mugabe’s victory signifies the trust and commitment the people of Zimbabwe maintain in the ZANU-PF.
This is according to a statement issued yesterday by special assistant to the President for press and public relations George Chellah.
Mr Sata said President Mugabe’s victory is an indication that Zimbabweans want the ZANU-PF leadership to continue with the programmes and policies that will boost development in that country.
President Sata has also congratulated the ruling ZANU-PF for the resounding victory in the July 31 harmonised elections.
“I would like to take this opportunity to further commend Your Excellency and dear brother, for the free and peaceful environment under which these elections were conducted at every level across the country,” President Sata said.
Mr Sata said he has joined Zimbabwe in celebrating the momentous and joyous occasion, while looking forward to strengthening further the existing warm bilateral relations between Zambia and Zimbabwe for the mutual benefit of the two sister countries.
Earlier, Acting President Alexander Chikwanda appealed to countries that still maintain sanctions against Zimbabwe to lift them in the interest of humanity and fellowship.
Mr Chikwanda, who said this on behalf of President Sata in a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday, also congratulated President Mugabe on his re-election as Zimbabwean President.
He said the imposed sanctions against Zimbabwe have outlived their usefulness.
“The sanctions have become morally implausible to maintain eternal ostracism of Zimbabwe from the community of nations,” Mr Chikwanda said.
The EU first imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe in 2002, including travel bans and freezing bank accounts of more than 200 targeted individuals.
He said going into the future, the illustrious, diligent and resourceful people of Zimbabwe should be allowed unfettered opportunity to prosper and make a useful contribution to overall global prosperity and well-being.
Mr Chikwanda also appealed for calm and unity as Zimbabwe forges ahead for enhanced economic prosperity.
“On behalf of President Michael Chilufya Sata, the government and the people of the Republic of Zambia and on my own behalf, I wish to congratulate President Robert Gabriel Mugabe on yet again being elected President of Zimbabwe,” he said.