SAfrica’s Zuma Urges Quick Resolution Of Zimbabwe Crisis
Tuesday, October 21st, 2008
WASHINGTON (AFP) – The head of South Africa’s ruling party and favorite to win the 2009 presidential election, Jacob Zuma, has called for Zimbabwe’s rival leaders to implement a power-sharing package for the sake of the country.
Speaking after discussing the crisis in Zimbabwe Tuesday with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Zuma said: “I think we share the same views that a quicker solution in Zimbabwe is desirable for the sake of the Zimbabwean people and the country.”
“We also agreed that the Zimbabwean leaders should be urged to complete the package which is already on the table so that it is implemented for the sake of the Zimbawean people.”
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and his rival Morgan Tsvangirai on September 15 agreed on a power-sharing accord that divides the government ministries among them and would keep 84-year-old Mugabe as president and make Tsvangirai the prime minister.
However, negotiations to break a five-week deadlock to form a unity government were postponed on Monday after Tsvangirai refused to go to Swaziland for a meeting with Mugabe and four other regional leaders, saying he did not believe Mugabe’s side was negotiating in good faith.
Washington has threatened new sanctions against Zimbabwe if Mugabe does not respect the September 15 agreement.
Tsvangirai has not been granted a full passport for nearly a year and is only allowed to travel on emergency travel documents valid for a single trip.
Source — Yahoo!