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(TALKZIMBABWE) Kikwete praises principals in the Zimbabwe deal

Kikwete praises principals in the Zimbabwe deal
Our reporter
Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:26:00 +0000

THE current chairperson of the African Union and President of the Republic of Tanzania has congratulated the principals who signed a historic deal paving the way for an all-inclusive Government to be formed in Zimbabwe.

Speaking at the ongoing UN General Assembly summit, Jakaya Kikwete said a “landmark breakthrough” was achieved in Zimbabwe and congratulated President Robert Mugabe, Movement for Democratic Change leader, Morgan Tsvangirai and MDC-M leader, Arthur Mutambara for their “statesmanship” in coming up with an agreement to end the country’s economic and political crises..

“We need to congratulate H.E. President Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Hon. Morgan Tsvangirai, and Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Arthur Mutambara for their statesmanship,” said Kikwete.

“On September 15, 2008, a landmark breakthrough was achieved in the Zimbabwe political crisis when the three parties to the conflict: ZANU-PF, MDC-T and MDC-M signed the historic agreement for ending the conflict and forming an inclusive government,” Kikwete continued.

“The leaders of these three parties are now engaged in the process of implementing this agreement. Getting to this point in a conflict situation that looked impossible is a major achievement indeed.”

President Kikwete also indicated that President Mbeki would not continue with mediation efforts in Zimbabwe, but that the South African government will continue with the mediations effort.

Recognizing and commending President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa for his “sterling leadership”, Kikwete said “his patience, perseverance and understanding” are factors which helped a deal to be brokered in Zimbabwe.

Kikwete confessed that President Mbeki’s resignation after his African National Coingress recalled him raised “some concerns about what would happen if difficulties are experienced with the implementation of the Agreement” between Zimbabwe’s main political party leaders.

He however said that there was reason to worry as the South African government will continue with the facilitation efforts in the country.

“No cause for alarm, the South African government remains, and the new leadership will continues to be seized of the matter,” said Kikwete, adding that “Moreover, since this Agreement is the product of the decision taken by the AU at its Summit in Sharm Al-Sheikh, Egypt on 1-2 July 2008, the AU and SADC stands ready to assist, if need would arise.”

President Mbeki will immediately cease facilitation work in the Zimbabwe crisis after he was recalled by the National Executive Committee of the ANC Party on Saturday following a judge’s ruling last week that he may have had a role in Jacob Zuma being charged with corruption.

A judge ruled Friday that prosecutors were wrong to charge ANC President Jacob Zuma with corruption. President Mbeki was said to have interfered in the National Prosecuting Authority's decision to charge Zuma – a charge he categorically denied in his resignation statement.

Meanwhile the allocation of ministerial portfolios in the all-inclusive government was delayed after the principals failed to reach an agreement on the precise allocation of the ministries. The matter has now been returned to the negotiators as President is currently out of the country.

Labels: AU, JAKAYA KIKWETE, NATIONAL UNITY GOVERNMENT

posted by MrK @ 5:56 AM