Maravi

(TALKZIMBABWE) Zuma says Zimbabwe's problems solvable

Zuma says Zimbabwe's problems solvable
Floyd Nkomo
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:20:00 +0000

VISITING South African President, Jacob Zuma, says there is no issue which is insurmountable for the three principals in the Global Political Agreement taking into consideration that only a few issues remain outstanding compared to what has been agreed upon and implemented.

Speaking at a dinner hosted for him at State House last night President Zuma said Southern African Development Community (Sadc) remains ready to assist Zimbabwe overcome its challenges.

“Sadc remains at your disposal for assistance. The remaining issues are not insurmountable, and can be overcome. The most difficult path has already been travelled,” said President Zuma.

President Robert Mugabe said illegal sanctions imposed by Britain, US and their allies remain the biggest obstacle towards the full implementation of the GPA and Zimbabwe’s detractors still nurse the regime change agenda.

President Mugabe said the nation has done a lot under the GPA and is thankful to the South Africans, both former Presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Monthlante for the roles they played in assisting Zimbabwe’s political parties find a solution to their differences.

“Your Government stood by us in the face of unjustified sanctions and vilification by Western governments, led by the British and Americans.

"Alongside other progressive and objective governments, you resisted the unwarranted attempts by these governments to put Zimbabwe on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council.

"Hence we thank South Africa for courageously fighting to stop the machinations of those who would have liked to manipulate and abuse this important body, the Security Council, for selfish political ends," said President Mugabe.

He said the economy is recovering adding that the constitution making and the national healing processes are both on course and what remains as a major obstacle is the issue of illegal sanctions.

President Mugabe added that the inclusive Government's "teething problems" have "not detracted us from our agreed common vision to establish peace, turn around the economy and work to deliver the services expected of us by the generality of our people".

President Mugabe, 85, appeared very healthy defying online media reports that he was unwell. Online media has speculated on his health many times, but the president has defied all odds.

President Zuma will officially open the 99th edition of the Harare Agricultural Show today.

The South African president arrived in Harare Thursday evening. He is the current Sadc Chairman, but will be handing over the chairmanship of the regional grouping to DRC President Joseph Kabila next month.

The visit is his first to Zimbabwe since winning the South African presidential election in April this year and his inauguration as state president.

President Zuma was met at Harare International Airport by his counterpart and Cde-in-arms in the struggle for the liberation of Southern Africa, president Robert Mugabe.

Zimbabwean inclusive Government officials who include prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai, and ministers from across the political divide were also present to welcome the South African leader who received a twenty one gun salute, on arrival at the airport.

Labels: JACOB ZUMA, MUGABE, SADC

posted by MrK @ 2:18 PM