Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on developments in Zimbabwe

source: Republic of Botswana (25/10/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 33 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on developments in Zimbabwe

The Government of the Republic of Botswana expresses its disappointment at the continuing failure by the political parties in Zimbabwe to agree on the power-sharing arrangements that would facilitate the formation of a Government in that country. This failure which is a result of one party seeking to dominate power, cannot be allowed to go on unchallenged. Botswana notes with regret that the Prime Minister Designate and MDC Leader Mr. Morgan Tsvangirai has not been issued with a passport to facilitate his foreign travel. This is unfortunate, totally unacceptable and an indication of bad faith.

Botswana is of the view that should the present deadlock continue without resolution, the only viable solution to the political impasse is for the people of Zimbabwe as enshrined in a truly democratic dispensation to be the ones to decide who their true leaders should be. In this regard the only way forward is a re-run of the Presidential election under international supervision in order to avoid a repetition of the violence and political intimidation that characterized the failed 27 June, 2008 Presidential run-off election.

His Excellency the President, Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama has, to this end, written suggesting this approach to the Chair of SADC, HE Kgalema Motlanthe, President of the Republic of South Africa, Chair of the AU, HE Jakaya M. Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Secretary General of the United Nations, HE Mr. Ban Ki Moon, calling for their urgent intervention to save the situation in Zimbabwe.

It should be understood that Botswana's position is informed by the fact that we wish for the people of Zimbabwe what we wish for ourselves. Further deterioration of the political and economic situation in Zimbabwe threatens regional peace, stability and economic development and can only increase the current suffering of the people of Zimbabwe.