Zim 'ready to move forward': Zuma
Bathandwa Mbola
28 August 2009
Addressing a gala dinner in his honour in Harare on Thursday night, South African President Jacob Zuma said Zimbabwe's leaders were ready to tackle the country's political and social challenges head-on.
He added that he was encouraged by how Zimbabwe's unity government had put their differences aside to serve the country's citizens.
"We are all encouraged by how the three parties put their differences aside in the service of this country. It is indeed very encouraging to note the significant progress that has been made under the auspices of the inclusive government."
Zuma said the inclusive government had made significant progress since its formation: "These positive developments are a result of the historic signing of the Global Political Agreement and the subsequent formation of the inclusive government."
President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai greeted Zuma at the airport on Thursday, where he received a 21-gun salute.
SADC assistance available
Zuma said the Southern African Development Community (SADC) remained at its disposal for assistance. The regional bloc has also pledged an economic rescue package for Zimbabwe, on condition that its leadership demonstrate there commitment to the implementation of the Global Political Agreement.
"We remain very committed as guarantors of the implementation of the Global Political Agreement and partners, to continue working with the Zimbabwean people to find solutions," Zuma said.
He said the remaining issues were not insurmountable and could be overcome.
"The most difficult path has already been travelled ... The bonds that united us when we battled the inhuman systems of apartheid and colonialism still guide us today as we endeavour to build a better life for all our people."
Unity government talks
Zimbabwe's inclusive government, now just over six months old, is believed to be on shaky ground, with high tensions between the political leaders.
Tsvangirai's party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), recently appealed to the South African government to help resolve conflict over certain appointments, while Zanu-PF, the party chaired by Mugabe, claims the MDC is failing to convince Western nations to remove their sanctions.
Talks between Zuma and the principals who signed the political agreement were due to take place on Friday. His findings will likely inform discussions at the next SADC summit, taking place in the DRC in September.
Source: BuaNews
