Fighter jets deal dents Sweden�s image

Gripen fighter jet
Gripen fighter jet

FRANCISTOWN: Should the Swedish government approve the multi-billion pula sale of the Gripen JAS 39 jets to Botswana, the Scandinavian country would be strongly contradicting its position as a progressive government that has keen interest on development.

The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) spokesperson, Moeti Mohwasa noted this yesterday, echoing the sentiment of researchers at a Swedish University early this year.  Sweden is a country that has often been associated with championing development issues through global collaborations. However, some critics argue that under the current regime Sweden’s status as a progressive country is waning.  

“We know Sweden as a development-oriented. In fact all Scandinavian countries by culture are known to be very progressive nations. We will be shocked if the government of Sweden approves the sale of the Gripen jets. It will confirm that Sweden, under the current regime, is not progressive,” Mohwasa said yesterday.

Editor's Comment
Closure as pain lingers

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