Botswana disturbed by recent developments in Zimbabwe

source: Republic of Botswana (17/5/09): TAUTONA TIMES no 14 of 2009
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

C4) 8/5/09: Botswana disturbed by recent developments in Zimbabwe.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Zimbabwe, in particular, detention of 18 human rights activists/political detainees on charges of plotting to overthrow President Mugabe's previous government, failure to resolve the issue of key appointments in Government which should be equitably distributed amongst ZANU-PF, MDC (T) and MDC (M) and continuing illegal farm invasions.

These irresponsible and provocative acts can only serve to undermine the implementation of the Global Political Agreement and efforts by the international community to assist in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the economy in Zimbabwe.

An atmosphere of mutual trust and confidence amongst the parties to the Global Political Agreement remains the bedrock for full international re-engagement with Zimbabwe which that country requires. Botswana has pledged a line of credit for the new government in Zimbabwe in the hope that all parties will live up to the spirit of the Global Political Agreement.

Regrettably, failure to demonstrate commitment to ending the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe on the part of ZANU-PF may lead to the withdrawal of the pledges made and further discourage the international community from assisting Zimbabwe.

The Government of the Republic of Botswana calls upon ZANU PF to end nilateralism and facilitate the process of rebuilding the economy and ending the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe.