Zim must be given chance to solve its challenges - Govt
By Luyanda Makapela and Bathandwa Mbola
Pretoria – Government has appealed to the international community to give Zimbabwe an opportunity to resolve its own issues, guided by the Member States of the African Union (AU).
This is in line with the resolutions that were taken at this weeks’ AU Summit held in Egypt.
Addressing reporters on Friday, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Aziz Pahad said: “We appeal to the international community to respect and conform to the decision taken by the AU as this, if not allowed, will further delay the process of finding lasting solutions in Zimbabwe.”
The minister urged the international community not to do anything that would jeopardise the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) efforts to bring an end to the challenges currently facing Zimbabwe.
“The solution to the situation needs to be sorted out by the parties (in Zimbabwe),” said Mr Pahad, adding that African leaders at the AU Summit had urged for a government of national unity to be established.
The African Union calls on Zimbabwe to discuss the way forward as it is up to Zimbabwe to take immediate steps to stop the violence, he added.
Mr Pahad said there were already indications that the parties in Zimbabwe were in discussions regarding this.
The AU Summit was held against the backdrop of international pressure on the AU to declare that the Zimbabwe run-off election was not a true reflection of the will of the people.
Robert Mugabe, who was the only running candidate, was sworn in as the country's President after winning the election. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew citing violence against his supporters.
The AU leaders voiced their support for the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) facilitation efforts and called for a continuation of these efforts in order to assist the people and leadership of Zimbabwe to reach a resolution.
South African President Thabo Mbeki was earlier mandated by SADC to facilitate talks between Mr Mugabe and the opposition party.
"SADC should further establish a mechanism on the ground in order to seize the momentum for a negotiated solution," the AU said.
In the spirit of all SADC initiatives, the AU remains convinced that Zimbabweans will be able to resolve their differences and work together once again as one nation, provided that they receive undivided support from SADC, the AU and the world at large. - BuaNews
Pretoria – Government has appealed to the international community to give Zimbabwe an opportunity to resolve its own issues, guided by the Member States of the African Union (AU).
This is in line with the resolutions that were taken at this weeks’ AU Summit held in Egypt.
Addressing reporters on Friday, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Aziz Pahad said: “We appeal to the international community to respect and conform to the decision taken by the AU as this, if not allowed, will further delay the process of finding lasting solutions in Zimbabwe.”
The minister urged the international community not to do anything that would jeopardise the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) efforts to bring an end to the challenges currently facing Zimbabwe.
“The solution to the situation needs to be sorted out by the parties (in Zimbabwe),” said Mr Pahad, adding that African leaders at the AU Summit had urged for a government of national unity to be established.
The African Union calls on Zimbabwe to discuss the way forward as it is up to Zimbabwe to take immediate steps to stop the violence, he added.
Mr Pahad said there were already indications that the parties in Zimbabwe were in discussions regarding this.
The AU Summit was held against the backdrop of international pressure on the AU to declare that the Zimbabwe run-off election was not a true reflection of the will of the people.
Robert Mugabe, who was the only running candidate, was sworn in as the country's President after winning the election. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew citing violence against his supporters.
The AU leaders voiced their support for the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) facilitation efforts and called for a continuation of these efforts in order to assist the people and leadership of Zimbabwe to reach a resolution.
South African President Thabo Mbeki was earlier mandated by SADC to facilitate talks between Mr Mugabe and the opposition party.
"SADC should further establish a mechanism on the ground in order to seize the momentum for a negotiated solution," the AU said.
In the spirit of all SADC initiatives, the AU remains convinced that Zimbabweans will be able to resolve their differences and work together once again as one nation, provided that they receive undivided support from SADC, the AU and the world at large. - BuaNews
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