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(TALKZIMBABWE) Mothlanthe criticizes UK over Zimbabwe

Mothlanthe criticizes UK over Zimbabwe
Ranganai Chidemo
Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:02:00 +0000
South African President, Kgalema Motlanthe

THE South African President has criticized Britain for seeking to impose “its will” over Zimbabwe.

Speaking during a meeting called by the Sadc region to launch a humanitarian appeal for Zimbabwe in Pretoria, South Africa President Kgalema Motlanthe said South Africa was not in a position to call for the forced ouster of President Mugabe adding that only the Zimbabwean people could do that.

"It's really not for us. I mean I don't know if the British feel qualified to impose that on the people of Zimbabwe, but we feel that we should support and take our cue from what they [Zimbabweans] want," said the South African President in response to a reporter who had asked when South Africa would join the chorus of voices calling for President Mugabe’s forced removal from power.

Mothlanthe said that an all-inclusive Government remained the only viable option for Zimbabwe.

“It is our wish that an inclusive government be established as soon as yesterday because only then will it be in a position to deal with the problems facing the people of Zimbabwe.

Mothlanthe said the issue of President Mugabe’s exit had never been discussed in the power-sharing talks, hence South Africa was not in a position to suggest that position for the Zimbabwean people.

“The issue of whether President Mugabe should go or not has never been raised by the parties. That is why in the agreement they agreed he should serve as President," Mothlanthe said.

The South African President also expressed doubt that the opposition Movement for Democratic Change was planning an armed insurrection in Zimbabwe.

"We do not believe that. We do not think there is any substance to
the allegation,” he said, adding that an armed insurrection was “against the Sadc principles that is why we really take it with a pinch of salt."

Mothlanthe, however, indicated that the Sadc region would be sending a team to neighbouring Botswana to investigate allegations that the country was responsible for training MDC militias.

Labels: COLOUR REVOLUTIONS, KGALEMA MOTLANTHE, NEOCOLONIALISM

posted by MrK @ 10:11 AM