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Levy's absence at Smart Partnership dialogue will be felt, says Zuma

Levy's absence at Smart Partnership dialogue will be felt, says Zuma
By Noel Sichalwe and Kabanda Chulu
Tuesday July 29, 2008 [04:00]

SOUTH Africa's ANC president Jacob Zuma yesterday said President Levy Mwanawasa's absence at the ongoing Smart Partnership dialogue will be felt. And Zuma expressed optimism that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the ruling ZANU-PF and the two factions of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) will help resolve problems facing Zimbabweans.

Speaking on arrival at the Lusaka International Airport for the 18th International Global Southern Africa Smart Partnership Dialogue, Zuma said President Mwanawasa's absence at the conference would be felt but there would be other government leaders.

However, Zuma was hopeful that the conference would be a success.

"I think one is expecting that there will be a rich dialogue along these issues. We are very happy that it is in Zambia and southern Africa," Zuma said. "I believe that we will be in a position to do our job as Smart Partnership people although of course, we will feel the gap left by the fact that his Excellency the President is not with us as you know he is not well.

"We were looking forward to be together with him as you know he is a very active debater in Smart Partnerships. We will miss his presence, but of course the colleagues are here."

President Mwanawasa is currently admitted to Percy Military Hospital in Paris France after he suffered a stroke in Egypt.

Zuma also urged Smart Partnership participants to look at the future with confidence through sharing of ideas and experiences.

And Zuma said it was only Zimbabweans themselves who could resolve their problems through dialogue.

"We expect that Zimbabweans are going to discuss and resolve the problems in Zimbabwe and I’m very optimistic that that is going to happen," he said. "The discussions are about Zimbabwean problems to find ways of resolving these problems."

Zuma arrived at the Lusaka International Airport around 10: 00 hours aboard a private jet.

He was welcomed by Lusaka Province minister Lameck Mangani, South African High Commissioner to Zambia Moses Chikane and other government officials.

And briefing Zuma on the conference, Smart Partnership joint dialogue convener Dr Mihaela Smith said there was need to realise national visions in the context of regional integration and dialogue.

Dr Smith said the conference was expected to dialogue with practical interface.

The Smart Partnership dialogue, an annual event which brings together participants from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other Commonwealth countries, will look at energy, mining, national visions and food security issues. The conference will end on August 1.

Labels: MWANAWASA, SMART PARTNERHIPS

posted by MrK @ 5:37 AM