G8 calls for UN special envoy to Zim
Luyanda Makapela
9 July 2008
Leaders of the Group of Eight (G8) industrialised nations have called for the appointment of a United Nations (UN) special envoy to help resolve the crisis in Zimbabwe.
"We recommend the appointment of a special envoy of the UN secretary-general to report on the political, humanitarian, human rights and security situation and to support regional efforts to take forward mediation between political parties," the G8 leaders said in a statement issued at the G8 summit in Japan on Tuesday.
The G8 said they were considering further steps, including financial and other sanctions against Zimbabwe officials, saying they did not accept the legitimacy of any government that did not reflect the will of the Zimbabwean people.
Zanu-PF leader Robert Mugabe was sworn in for a new five-year term as president of Zimbabwe after a one-man presidential run-off election on 29 June.
"We express concern with the fact that the Zimbabwean authorities pressed ahead with the presidential election despite the absence of appropriate conditions for free and fair voting as a result of their systematic violence, obstruction and intimidation.
"We appeal to the Zimbabwean authorities to work with the opposition to achieve a prompt, peaceful resolution of the crisis," the G8 leaders said, adding that it was "important that any mediation process respect the results of the 29 March 2008 election."
The G8 expressed its support with the African Union (AU), expressing deep concern about negative reports from Southern African Development Community (SADC), AU and Pan-African Parliament observers on the elections and the loss of life that has occurred in Zimbabwe.
"We also support the AU's call to encourage Zimbabwean leaders to initiate dialogue with a view to promoting peace and stability."
The Zimbabwean authorities were also called on to allow the immediate resumption of humanitarian operations and full and non-discriminatory access to humanitarian assistance in the country.
Source: BuaNews
