Government has rebuked United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Brian Nichols for his utterances on the recent SADC anti-sanctions march to press for the removal of the embargo against Harare.

In a statement yesterday, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo said Ambassador Nichols’ sentiments lacked respect for diplomatic etiquette, were grossly partisan and constituted abuse of the hospitality of the people of Zimbabwe.

“While we are a welcoming, extremely tolerant and friendly people, this should not be misinterpreted by any diplomat to mean that we are weak and can tolerate all forms of abuse,” said Dr Moyo.

Ambassador Nichols last Friday had an interview with the private media, when the anti-sanctions march was held, where he claimed current economic challenges facing the country were a result of corruption and not sanctions, before going on a Twitter rampage where he criticised the Zimbabwe Government.

International law, Moyo said, clearly defines the functions of a diplomatic mission and establishes that as sovereign nations, all countries in the world enjoy equal rights and protection.State media