Maravi

(TALKZIMBABWE) Tanzanian PM urges recognition of Mugabe

Tanzanian PM urges recognition of Mugabe
Our reporter
Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:58:00 +0000

THE Tanzanian Prime Minister has expressed his support for China and Russia’s veto against U.N. Security Council sanctions against Zimbabwe and urged the opposition to recognize President Robert Mugabe as legitimate leader. Responding to questions in the Tanzanian National Assembly during Prime Minister’s question sessions, Premier Mizengo Pinda reiterated that Tanzania’s stand on Zimbabwe was in line with that espoused by the African Union – the promotion of dialogue between the two main political parties. He said only a negotiated settlement in Zimbabwe will deliver long term results.

“The AU position has been clear from the beginning - there must be dialogue, we must facilitate constructive talks between the President and the opposition, so that a peaceful agreement on an agreed power-sharing government can be reached,” said Pinda.

Pinda also said the decision by China and Russia to vote against proposed sanctions on Zimbabwe was made for a good reason because experience showed that economic and weapons embargo on a poor country like Zimbabwe normally affected the people, not the government.

He said: “They did so for a noble reason, and that is to rescue the people of Zimbabwe from further suffering. I think making the rival parties conduct dialogue is the best solution.”

Pinda also said all the stakeholders in Zimbabwe should recognize President Mugabe as the legitimate leader as “Elections have been held and the President has been installed” adding that “What we can do right now is help Mugabe, the opposition and Zimbabweans to workout problems, so that the country goes back to its previous position. What is important now is pushing the dialogue ahead.”

Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete also expressed confidence in the ability of the South African President Thabo Mbeki to seek a lasting solution for Zimbabwe.

During the G-8 Summit President Kikwete was quoted as saying: “He (President Mbeki) has done a commendable job and is a mediator who is undisputed by the opposing parties in the Zimbabwe political crisis.”

Labels: MIZENGE PINDA, MUGABE, TANZANIA

posted by MrK @ 2:24 AM