HARARE, July 11 (Xinhuanet) -- Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Sunday called on all members of the uniformed forces to protecttheir country from any acts of aggression.

    He made the appeal while officiating at a prize giving ceremony for the 2004 President's Medal Shooting Competition held at the Cleveland Shooting Range in Harare.

    "If circumstances should arise for the defense and protection of our sovereignty, it is the responsibility of all members of the uniformed forces to ensure that the nation is protected from any acts of aggression," he said.

    Mugabe said events such as the Shooting Competition afforded members of the uniformed forces an opportunity to sharpen their skills in weapon handling.

    He said Zimbabwe's foreign policy is aimed at achieving world peace and stability in all flash points across the globe.

    He said that his country is capable of protecting its national independence and sovereignty at a time when the unipolar world is failing to respect international laws and conventions.

    "Zimbabwe is a sovereign state, which should continuously enjoy peace and stability," he said.

    Mugabe said the members of the uniformed forces have a responsibility to prevent the abuse of weapons.

    The illegal movement of firearms, which usually found their way into hands of seasoned criminals, is of major concern to peaceloving citizens and undermined efforts to create a conducive business environment in the southern African region, he said.

    The recent ratification of the Southern African Development Community Protocol on Firearms, Ammunition and other related materials by Parliament should come as a major setback to those unscrupulous elements peddling firearms in the region in general and the country at large, he said.

    The competition began on June 24 and saw a large number of participants fall by the way side, leaving 24 finalists.

    It is designed to develop a sense of pride and safety in the use of firearms by the members of the uniformed forces. Enditem