Press Release: Minister Seretse meets his counterpart in Zimbabwe

source: Republic of Botswana (28/2/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 3 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
“Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery”

C1) 22/2/10: Press Release: Minister Seretse meets his counterpart in Zimbabwe

Gaborone, 22 February, 2010 – The Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Hon. Dikgakgamatso Ndelu Seretse is to lead Botswana delegation to the 26th Session of the Botswana/Zimbabwe Bilateral Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security scheduled for 22nd – 26th February 2010, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The Honorable Minister’s delegation comprises the Commander, Botswana Defence Force; Commissioner of Police; Director General, Directorate of Intelligence and Security and Senior Government officials.

The Joint Permanent Commission will discuss all matters relating to defence and security relations between the two countries.

Prior to the Commission meeting the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Hon. Dikgakgamatso N. Seretse met his Zimbabwean counterparts, Hon. Emmerson Mnangagwa, Minister of Defence; Hon. P. Chinamasa, Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs; Hon. S. Sekeremayi, Minister of National Security and the Minister of Home Affairs Hon. G. Mutsekwa and the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency of Zimbabwe on the 18th February 2010 regarding the recent arrest and prosecution of three Botswana wildlife officers in Zimbabwe.

The purpose of the meeting was to prepare for the smooth holding of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC) on Defence and Security to be held in Victoria Falls from the 22nd to 26th February 2010. The Ministers felt obliged to clear the atmosphere and restore the relations between the two countries following the detention of three wildlife officers in Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwe Ministers expressed their appreciation for the proactive approach to the issue taken by Minister Seretse, in calling for the meeting to discuss the issue and pave way for the upcoming JPCC. The Zimbabwe Ministers agreed that they will;

• reconsider the prohibited status imposed on the three wildlife officers;

• immediately release Botswana properties (vehicle and rifles) which the Zimbabwe authorities held as exhibits at the courts; and

• immediately withdraw the appeal against the three officers.

The meeting was held under a cordial atmosphere and the ministers agreed that the Joint Permanent Commission for Defence and Security should go ahead as planned to discuss all the matters affecting the relations between the two countries. The Ministers also pledged to revive the channels of communication that exist between the two countries for the smooth running of their affairs. Zimbabwe took the opportunity to raise concerns particularly with the relay station of Voice of America’s Studio 7 in Botswana.

Honourable Seretse, was accompanied by the Ambassador of Botswana in Zimbabwe, H.E. Ms. Gladys Kokorwe and the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sasara C. George.

At the time of this Press Release the vehicle and rifles were back in Botswana.