Zimbabwean leader appeals for end of political violence

Zimbabwe commemorated its 33rd independence anniversary on Thursday with President Robert Mugabe once again urging the nation to hold peaceful elections this year.The 89-year-old veteran leader said political violence tainted the country's image and should be avoided at all costs."Let's gear ourselves to holding peaceful elections this year. I urge the nation to uphold and promote peace. Peace before, during and after these forthcoming elections,"Mugabe said in his keynote address to thousands of Zimbabweans gathered at the National Sport Stadium in Harare.He said people should be allowed to freely vote for a candidate of their choice."Go and vote your own way, no one should force you to vote for me or Professor Arthur Mutambara," he said.Mutambara is a deputy premier in the inclusive government formed by the parties of Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai in 2009 following inconclusive and allegedly violence- tainted elections the previous year.Mugabe said Zimbabwe was facing various social, economic and political challenges which could be resolved if people worked hard, were patriotic and dedicated to the success of the country.The positive economic growth recorded in the last few years showed that Zimbabwe had the resources to push it to greater heights, he said.The president said in the wake of limited external support, the country continued to rely largely on domestic resources to address its infrastructure needs.He said measures will be taken to address the current liquidity challenges facing the nation, adding the country will this year import the staple maize to augment local supplies which were severely diminished by low rains.