(TALKZIMBABWE) President, PM call for end to violence

President, PM call for end to violence
Nyasha Perekwa/Reuters
Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:04:00 +0000

PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe on Friday called for an end to political attacks, standing with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to start a prayer weekend for national reconciliation. He and PM Tsvangirai formed an inclusive Government in February this year.

"There are still reported cases of political violence and this must stop," President Mugabe said in a Harare hotel, standing alongside PM Tsvangirai in public.

"Let us move among the people... promoting the values and practice of tolerance, respect, non-violence and dialogue as a sustainable means of resolving political differences," he added.

About 200 lawmakers, government officials and diplomats attended the two-hour event to officially begin three days of national prayer for peace.

Religious leaders plan to lead a prayer service in a Harare stadium on Saturday, which PM Tsvangirai said will mark the start of efforts to find justice for victims of the violence that characterised the aftermath of the March 2009 elections.

"These three days of dedication must herald the beginning of a genuine, open and frank process... accepting responsibilities for the hurts and pains inflicted on so many Zimbabweans," said the prime minister, without blaming anyone for the violence.

"In addition to the three principles of truth, justice and forgiveness, we must openly discuss the issue of reparation," PM Tsvangirai said.

"While it may not be possible to undo what has been done, it is sometimes possible to assist the victims to move on and to rebuild a life that has been shattered," he added.

Analysts hailed the efforts at national reconciliation.

"What they have done today is just a start," said Takura Zhangazha, Zimbabwe director for the Media Institute of Southern Africa.

"Obviously the government is attempting to inculcate the culture of tolerance," he said.