ZANU-PF's extraordinary statements

What influence does the continuing economic decline in Zimbabwe have on the
talks?

George Charamba: spokesperson for Robert Mugabe:

I don't know what you are terming as economic decline. In terms of the
stats, Barclays is declaring a dividend every year, so does Stanbic and
Zimplats. All the real players are sticking it out and doing brisk business.
The social condition of the native is on the decline. The condition of the
Zimbabwean black will remain the same for years from now, because it is
about who runs the economy. When [British Prime Minister] Gordon Brown wants
Tsvangirai to sign, he will sign.

"It's about power, stupid"
http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-08-25-its-about-power-stupid


*****************

But wasn't the point of the revolution in Zimbabwe to increase the economic and social status of the average native?

It seems odd to me that a spokeperson for Robert Mugabe would take what seems to be an outsider's economic gauge on Zimbabwe's economic interests. Perhaps this is intended as irony, which doesn't always translate so well on paper -- But, the proper response by Charamba would have been to account for the failure of the Chimurenga in bringing about an improvement in the status (economic and otherwise) of the average peasant.