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Democratic Alliance: DA Rejects President Mbeki's Call for Unqualified Government of National Unity
Release, immediate: Tuesday, 08 July 2008
Release, immediate: Tuesday, 08 July 2008
STATEMENT BY TONY LEON MP
DA SPOKESPERSON ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS
At the G8+5 summit in Japan, President Mbeki reiterated his call for a government of national unity in Zimbabwe as a solution to that country’s democratic implosion.
President Mbeki’s remarks have the whiff of Neville Chamberlain and Munich about them, as he persists in advocating the same failed policy he has been advancing for the past eight years.
An unqualified government of national unity will do nothing at all to restore democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights in our northern neighbour. Simply crafting an office for Morgan Tsvangirai atop an intact repressive state apparatus - which has visited doses of tyranny and terror on the Zimbabwean population - will do nothing to re-establish democracy and a viable economy in Zimbabwe.
Power-sharing is not a panacea. It is only if Robert Mugabe is forcefully persuaded to relinquish power, and agree to fresh, legitimate elections - with the dismantling of the security establishment which has encased his presidency as a necessary precondition - that there can be any hope of democratic and economic renewal in Zimbabwe.
Persisting with “quiet diplomacy” flies in the face of reason, objective evidence and human decency.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Lindiwe Mazibuko – 072 805 2220
DA SPOKESPERSON ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS
At the G8+5 summit in Japan, President Mbeki reiterated his call for a government of national unity in Zimbabwe as a solution to that country’s democratic implosion.
President Mbeki’s remarks have the whiff of Neville Chamberlain and Munich about them, as he persists in advocating the same failed policy he has been advancing for the past eight years.
An unqualified government of national unity will do nothing at all to restore democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights in our northern neighbour. Simply crafting an office for Morgan Tsvangirai atop an intact repressive state apparatus - which has visited doses of tyranny and terror on the Zimbabwean population - will do nothing to re-establish democracy and a viable economy in Zimbabwe.
Power-sharing is not a panacea. It is only if Robert Mugabe is forcefully persuaded to relinquish power, and agree to fresh, legitimate elections - with the dismantling of the security establishment which has encased his presidency as a necessary precondition - that there can be any hope of democratic and economic renewal in Zimbabwe.
Persisting with “quiet diplomacy” flies in the face of reason, objective evidence and human decency.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Lindiwe Mazibuko – 072 805 2220
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German Company Stops Bank Note Shipments to Zimbabwe
Deutsche Welle 02/07/2008
Deutsche Welle 02/07/2008
A German company, facing international criticism, agreed to stop delivering bank note paper to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. Critics claim the money helped prop up the government of President Robert Mugabe.
Giesecke & Devrient announced that it will stop supplying Zimbabwe with paper used to print money. The Munich company said its decision was made in response to an official request from the German government and calls for international sanctions on Zimbabwe by the European Union and United Nations.
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3454245,00.html
Giesecke & Devrient announced that it will stop supplying Zimbabwe with paper used to print money. The Munich company said its decision was made in response to an official request from the German government and calls for international sanctions on Zimbabwe by the European Union and United Nations.
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3454245,00.html
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LI President and Patron Echo Calls for National Unity Government in Zimbabwe
LI News Issue 93
LI News Issue 93
Lord Alderdice has reiterated his call for a dialogue in Zimbabwe following the widely condemned presidential elections on 27 June in which Mr Mugabe was the sole contender after a prolonged campaign of systematic violence and intimidation.
African Union Summit Resolution on Zimbabwe
Text of AU resolution on Zimbabwe
Text of AU resolution on Zimbabwe
The African Union Assembly, meeting in its 11th Ordinary Session held on June 30 to July 1, 2008 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt,
DEEPLY CONCERNED with the prevailing situation in Zimbabwe;
DEEPLY CONCERNED with the negative reports of SADC, the African Union and the Pan-African Parliament observers on the Zimbabwean Presidential run-off election held on June 27, 2008;
DEEPLY CONCERNED about the violence and the loss of life that has occurred in Zimbabwe.
CONSIDERING the urgent need to prevent further worsening of the situation and with a view to avoid spread of conflict with the consequential negative impact on the country and the sub-region;
FURTHER CONSIDERING the need to create an environment conducive for democracy, as well as the development of the people of Zimbabwe;
EXPRESSING its appreciation to SADC, and its Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation, as well as the Facilitator of the intra-Zimbabwe dialogue, His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, and His Excellency Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission for the ongoing work aimed at reconciling the political parties;
RECOGNISING the complexity of the situation in Zimbabwe;
NOTING the willingness of the political leaders of Zimbabwe to enter into negotiations to establish a Government of National Unity;
NOTING FURTHER the preparatory discussions on this matter had already started, under SADC facilitation;
DEEPLY CONCERNED with the prevailing situation in Zimbabwe;
DEEPLY CONCERNED with the negative reports of SADC, the African Union and the Pan-African Parliament observers on the Zimbabwean Presidential run-off election held on June 27, 2008;
DEEPLY CONCERNED about the violence and the loss of life that has occurred in Zimbabwe.
CONSIDERING the urgent need to prevent further worsening of the situation and with a view to avoid spread of conflict with the consequential negative impact on the country and the sub-region;
FURTHER CONSIDERING the need to create an environment conducive for democracy, as well as the development of the people of Zimbabwe;
EXPRESSING its appreciation to SADC, and its Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation, as well as the Facilitator of the intra-Zimbabwe dialogue, His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, and His Excellency Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission for the ongoing work aimed at reconciling the political parties;
RECOGNISING the complexity of the situation in Zimbabwe;
NOTING the willingness of the political leaders of Zimbabwe to enter into negotiations to establish a Government of National Unity;
NOTING FURTHER the preparatory discussions on this matter had already started, under SADC facilitation;
South Africa: Need for Zuma to Denounce Killing Talk
Businessday 26 June 2008
Businessday 26 June 2008
President Robert Mugabe says God appointed him so only God will remove him from office. Jacob Zuma says the African National Congress (ANC) was blessed in heaven and will therefore rule until “Jesus comes back”. What’s the difference?
United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2008
Statement 20 June 2008
Statement 20 June 2008
The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (Hereinafter referred to as the Human Rights Forum) annually commemorates the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June. The United Nations (UN) first observed the Day on 26 June 1998. This date was chosen and remains significant because on the same day in 1987, the UN Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UN CAT) came into force and on 26 June 1948 the United Nations Charter was signed. Zimbabwe has ratified the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibit torture in Articles 5 and 7 respectively.
ALN Calls For Urgent Action on the Zimbabwe Crisis
24 June 2008
24 June 2008
ALN Statement on Zimbabwe Crisis
The Africa Liberal Network has issued the following statement in relation to the current crisis in Zimbabwe.
Having won the first round of the presidential elections in Zimbabwe with 48% of the votes against incumbent President Robert Mugabe-43%, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change, announced on Sunday the 22nd of June that he would not contest the second round of presidential elections scheduled for the 27th of June.
In order to stop the violence initiated by the Zanu-PF, led by Robert Mugabe, the MDC leader opted not to ask the voters of Zimbabwe to put their lives at risk on the 27th of June.
Considering that the regime of Robert Mugabe is against freedom and is increasingly oppressive
Considering the reign of terror perpetrated by followers of the Zanu-PF and the militias of President Mugabe
Considering the ineffective role played by President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa
Considering the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe
Considering the fact that SADC has not taken a firm stance on the issue
Considering the inaction of the African Union
Considering the lack of leadership of the UN Security Council
The Africa Liberal Network demands:
1- The cancellation of the run-off election of the 27th of June in Zimbabwe
2- The stopping of violence and acts of intimidation committed against the people of Zimbabwe by the Zanu-PF government
3- A resolution by the African Union condemning the regime of President Mugabe
4-That resolutions be taken in order to ensure the safety of opposition members and the population as a whole
5- A resolution by the UN condemning the regime of President Mugabe
6-The appointment of a new mediator to replace President Thabo Mbeki
Further, the Africa Liberal Network:
1- States its strong support for Morgan Tsvangirai, the MDC, and the people of Zimbabwe
2- Calls upon the European Community to take a strong stance against the Mugabe regime
3- Calls for a quick negotiation between Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai
4- Calls upon SADC to take greater responsibility in this matter
5- Calls upon all those who champion freedom and human rights to denounce this appalling situation and support the people of Zimbabwe
24 June 2008
Declaration du RLA sur la Situation au Zimbabwe
Le Reseau Liberal Africain voudrait par la presente donner son point de vue sur la situation au Zimbabwe.
Pourtant arrive en tete au premier tour de l'election presidentielle du 29 Mars 2008 au Zimbabwe avec 48% des suffrages exprimes contre 43% a Robert Mugabe, le leader du Mouvement pour le Changement Democratique (MDC),M Morgan Tsvangirai, a renonce, Dimanche 22 Juin, a affronter au second tour le president sortant, Robert Mugabe.
Face a la violence initiee par le Zanu-PF de M.Robert Mugabe, le chef du MDC a juge bon de ne pas demander aux electeurs de risquer leur vie en votant le 27 Juin.
Considerant que le regime de Robert Mugabe est liberticide et de plus en plus oppressif
Considerant le climat de terreur instaure par les partisans du Zanu-PF et milices du President Mugabe
Considerant le role inefficace joue par le President Thabo Mbeki de l’Afrique du Sud
Considerant la souffrance du peuple pacifique du Zimbabwe
Considerant la non fermete de la SADC
Considerant l'inertie de l'Union Africaine
Considerant les tergiversations du Conseil de Securite de l'ONU
le Reseau Liberal Africain exige:
1- L’annulation officielle du scrutin qui devait se tenir vendredi 27 Juin 2008 au Zimbabwe
2- L’arret de la violence et de l'intimidation perpetree par le Zanu-PF contre le people du Zimbabwe
3- Une resolution de l'Union Africaine condamnant le regime du President Mugabe
4- La prise de dispositions en vue d'assurer la securite des membres de l'opposition et de l’ensemble de la population
5- Une resolution de l'ONU condamnant le regime du President Mugabe
6- la nomination d'un autre mediateur en remplacement du President Thabo Mbeki
Par ailleurs, le Reseau Liberal Africain:
1- Apporte tout son soutien a Morgan Tsvangirai, son parti le MDC, et au peuple du Zimbabwe
8- Demande a la Communaute Europeenne d'envisager des actions vigoureuses contre le regime de Robert Mugabe
9- Souhaite vivement une negotiation rapide entre Robert Mugabe et Morgan Tsvangirai en vue d'eviter la degradation de la situation
10- Souhaite que la SADC prenne ses responsabilites en condamnant le regime oppressif du Zimbabwe
11- Demande a tous ceux qui respectent la liberte de denoncer cette mascarade, de la condamner sans appel, et d’apporter leur soutien au peuple du Zimbabwe.
24 Juin 2008
Africa Liberal Network
www.africaliberalnetwork.org
The Africa Liberal Network has issued the following statement in relation to the current crisis in Zimbabwe.
Having won the first round of the presidential elections in Zimbabwe with 48% of the votes against incumbent President Robert Mugabe-43%, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change, announced on Sunday the 22nd of June that he would not contest the second round of presidential elections scheduled for the 27th of June.
In order to stop the violence initiated by the Zanu-PF, led by Robert Mugabe, the MDC leader opted not to ask the voters of Zimbabwe to put their lives at risk on the 27th of June.
Considering that the regime of Robert Mugabe is against freedom and is increasingly oppressive
Considering the reign of terror perpetrated by followers of the Zanu-PF and the militias of President Mugabe
Considering the ineffective role played by President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa
Considering the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe
Considering the fact that SADC has not taken a firm stance on the issue
Considering the inaction of the African Union
Considering the lack of leadership of the UN Security Council
The Africa Liberal Network demands:
1- The cancellation of the run-off election of the 27th of June in Zimbabwe
2- The stopping of violence and acts of intimidation committed against the people of Zimbabwe by the Zanu-PF government
3- A resolution by the African Union condemning the regime of President Mugabe
4-That resolutions be taken in order to ensure the safety of opposition members and the population as a whole
5- A resolution by the UN condemning the regime of President Mugabe
6-The appointment of a new mediator to replace President Thabo Mbeki
Further, the Africa Liberal Network:
1- States its strong support for Morgan Tsvangirai, the MDC, and the people of Zimbabwe
2- Calls upon the European Community to take a strong stance against the Mugabe regime
3- Calls for a quick negotiation between Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai
4- Calls upon SADC to take greater responsibility in this matter
5- Calls upon all those who champion freedom and human rights to denounce this appalling situation and support the people of Zimbabwe
24 June 2008
Declaration du RLA sur la Situation au Zimbabwe
Le Reseau Liberal Africain voudrait par la presente donner son point de vue sur la situation au Zimbabwe.
Pourtant arrive en tete au premier tour de l'election presidentielle du 29 Mars 2008 au Zimbabwe avec 48% des suffrages exprimes contre 43% a Robert Mugabe, le leader du Mouvement pour le Changement Democratique (MDC),M Morgan Tsvangirai, a renonce, Dimanche 22 Juin, a affronter au second tour le president sortant, Robert Mugabe.
Face a la violence initiee par le Zanu-PF de M.Robert Mugabe, le chef du MDC a juge bon de ne pas demander aux electeurs de risquer leur vie en votant le 27 Juin.
Considerant que le regime de Robert Mugabe est liberticide et de plus en plus oppressif
Considerant le climat de terreur instaure par les partisans du Zanu-PF et milices du President Mugabe
Considerant le role inefficace joue par le President Thabo Mbeki de l’Afrique du Sud
Considerant la souffrance du peuple pacifique du Zimbabwe
Considerant la non fermete de la SADC
Considerant l'inertie de l'Union Africaine
Considerant les tergiversations du Conseil de Securite de l'ONU
le Reseau Liberal Africain exige:
1- L’annulation officielle du scrutin qui devait se tenir vendredi 27 Juin 2008 au Zimbabwe
2- L’arret de la violence et de l'intimidation perpetree par le Zanu-PF contre le people du Zimbabwe
3- Une resolution de l'Union Africaine condamnant le regime du President Mugabe
4- La prise de dispositions en vue d'assurer la securite des membres de l'opposition et de l’ensemble de la population
5- Une resolution de l'ONU condamnant le regime du President Mugabe
6- la nomination d'un autre mediateur en remplacement du President Thabo Mbeki
Par ailleurs, le Reseau Liberal Africain:
1- Apporte tout son soutien a Morgan Tsvangirai, son parti le MDC, et au peuple du Zimbabwe
8- Demande a la Communaute Europeenne d'envisager des actions vigoureuses contre le regime de Robert Mugabe
9- Souhaite vivement une negotiation rapide entre Robert Mugabe et Morgan Tsvangirai en vue d'eviter la degradation de la situation
10- Souhaite que la SADC prenne ses responsabilites en condamnant le regime oppressif du Zimbabwe
11- Demande a tous ceux qui respectent la liberte de denoncer cette mascarade, de la condamner sans appel, et d’apporter leur soutien au peuple du Zimbabwe.
24 Juin 2008
Africa Liberal Network
www.africaliberalnetwork.org
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The 6th Africa Resource Bank Meeting – ARB 2008
Theme: Commercializing Africa’s Resources to Promote Prosperity: How Africa can utilize its natural resources to raise the living standards of its people.
Date: November 9th – 12th 2008
Venue: White Sands Beach Resort, Mombasa Kenya.
Is Africa a new frontier for business simply because China and India have joined the U.S.A and Europe in mining natural resources from Africa? What is different? What is Africa doing about it?
The U.S.A, China, India, Europe, Japan and others are coming to Africa for resources. Africa is in a powerful position to strategically use this opportunity and join the global economy in competitive business. The continent is however floating in a quandary due to poor management and exploitation of its resources that fuel constant conflicts. How can we use these resources gainfully to tap opportunities that are calling out to us?
The 6th Africa Resource Bank meeting organized by the Nairobi based Inter Region Economic Network (IREN) is inviting Business and industry players, Government and Policy Makers, Media, Academia, Civil Society and Think Tanks for the 2008 Africa Resource Bank (ARB) Meeting in Kenya (November 9-12), under the theme ‘Commercializing Africa’s Resources to Promote Prosperity: How Africa can utilize its natural resources to raise the living standards of its people’.
The Africa Resource Bank is a network of organizations and individuals with the objective of promoting concepts that enhance economic freedom and wealth creation in Africa. It is an annual workshop hosted by IREN - winner of the ‘Top to-go-to Think Tank’ 2008 award. IREN promotes ideas and strategies geared towards causing prosperity in Africa.
Previous ARB meetings have discussed themes including: - Building Africa through Trade; Property Rights in the African context; How Africa can conquer poverty through business; Turning African people into a resource and Positioning Africa in the 21st Century.
This year’s ARB meeting will put specific focus on; Surface and subsurface wealth exploitation, Policy environment for resource exploitation, Water, Value addition and The African human resource in Africa.
Objectives of the 2008 ARB
*To raise the level of discourse touching on exploitation and value addition of resources in Africa
* To identify efficient ways of exploiting Africa’s resources for the benefit of the African people
The ARB annual meeting fosters an environment for creating a business minded society in Africa, Improving the policy environment for business in Africa, promotion of ideas and strategies that will bring prosperity in Africa, economic freedom and Networking.
For details on participation criteria, paper presentation and partnership, please email to events@irenkenya.com and info@irenkenya.com or call 254202731497
To download the registration form please visit:
www.irenkenya.com/modules/events/index.php?event_title_id=39
Date: November 9th – 12th 2008
Venue: White Sands Beach Resort, Mombasa Kenya.
Is Africa a new frontier for business simply because China and India have joined the U.S.A and Europe in mining natural resources from Africa? What is different? What is Africa doing about it?
The U.S.A, China, India, Europe, Japan and others are coming to Africa for resources. Africa is in a powerful position to strategically use this opportunity and join the global economy in competitive business. The continent is however floating in a quandary due to poor management and exploitation of its resources that fuel constant conflicts. How can we use these resources gainfully to tap opportunities that are calling out to us?
The 6th Africa Resource Bank meeting organized by the Nairobi based Inter Region Economic Network (IREN) is inviting Business and industry players, Government and Policy Makers, Media, Academia, Civil Society and Think Tanks for the 2008 Africa Resource Bank (ARB) Meeting in Kenya (November 9-12), under the theme ‘Commercializing Africa’s Resources to Promote Prosperity: How Africa can utilize its natural resources to raise the living standards of its people’.
The Africa Resource Bank is a network of organizations and individuals with the objective of promoting concepts that enhance economic freedom and wealth creation in Africa. It is an annual workshop hosted by IREN - winner of the ‘Top to-go-to Think Tank’ 2008 award. IREN promotes ideas and strategies geared towards causing prosperity in Africa.
Previous ARB meetings have discussed themes including: - Building Africa through Trade; Property Rights in the African context; How Africa can conquer poverty through business; Turning African people into a resource and Positioning Africa in the 21st Century.
This year’s ARB meeting will put specific focus on; Surface and subsurface wealth exploitation, Policy environment for resource exploitation, Water, Value addition and The African human resource in Africa.
Objectives of the 2008 ARB
*To raise the level of discourse touching on exploitation and value addition of resources in Africa
* To identify efficient ways of exploiting Africa’s resources for the benefit of the African people
The ARB annual meeting fosters an environment for creating a business minded society in Africa, Improving the policy environment for business in Africa, promotion of ideas and strategies that will bring prosperity in Africa, economic freedom and Networking.
For details on participation criteria, paper presentation and partnership, please email to events@irenkenya.com and info@irenkenya.com or call 254202731497
To download the registration form please visit:
www.irenkenya.com/modules/events/index.php?event_title_id=39
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