By Tichaona Chifamba

    HARARE, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday extended the olive branch to countries hostile to his government, saying that Zimbabwe country was willing to start afresh and mend relations with them.

    Opening the second session of the Seventh Parliament of Zimbabwe, Mugabe also lamented the high carnage on the country's roads and said the government would introduce measures to regulate the conduct of motorists.

    "These will include the phased ban on both the importation of second-hand vehicles and the use of retreaded tyres on public service vehicles, haulage trucks or any vehicles for hire."

    If implemented, this will have a direct impact on the South African and Japanese car markets, which have found ready customers in Zimbabwe.

    This will also impact negatively on many Zimbabweans who can not afford new motor vehicles and have had to rely on second-hand imports.

    Mugabe also lamented the continued imposition of economic sanctions on the country, which he said were hurting the generality of the public.

    "Our country remains in a positive stance to enter into fresh, friendly and cooperative relations with all the countries that have been hostile to us in the past.

    "Madam President, Mr Speaker Sir, may we be reminded that as Zimbabweans our destiny is in our hands. It is our sovereign right to preside over our socio-economic development with of course the support of genuine and well-meaning partners.

    If the realization of the fruits of our economic turnaround effort may seem to take longer than expected, it is because the parameters for it have been more demanding in both form and content than expected," Mugabe said.

    Several Western countries, the European Union and the United States imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe several years ago, citing lack of good governance and abuse of human rights. While maintaining that the sanctions were targeted at individuals in Mugabe's government, many Zimbabweans have felt their impact as they lost jobs and grappled with spiraling inflation.

    Mugabe also called on all Zimbabweans to continue to work hard and be united in their endeavors, promising civil servants that their salaries would be reviewed upwards as soon as resources permitted.

    "Let us be a Zimbabwe united in body, mind and spirit. Only that way can we really succeed."

    A few hundred people witnessed the event from Africa Unity Square, while invited guests who included ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe, High Court and Supreme Court judges, service chiefs, traditional leaders and captains of industry were accommodated in the Speaker's Gallery and in Parliament's courtyard where a monitor was provided to allow them to follow the proceedings.

    Mugabe also introduced several bills which he said would be tabled before Parliament, among them the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill which seeks to strengthen the relations between the government and mining houses.

    Many potential investors in the mining industry are not happy with the current legislation which seems to favor locals ahead of foreign companies in areas of ownership and shareholding.