National Assembly:  1st September 2009

The IFP commends President Jacob Zuma for the frank intervention in Zimbabwe, and for impressing on the three political parties involved in the SADC agreement on the Unity Government in Zimbabwe, the urgency of a political settlement for which these Parties were responsible for establishing.

It is not the fault of the leadership of MDC that the Western Governments are reluctant at this juncture to assist in the recovery of the ailing Zimbabwean economy and the lifting of sanctions against ZANU-PF leadership as we are made to believe. The fact of the matter is that, there were conditions which the unity government and in particular the leadership of ZANU-PF must attempt to satisfy. It is reported that the US President, Barack Obama, was willing to help Zimbabwe's long-suffering people but not by empowering "the forces of oppression" (Cape Argus, 1 September 2009). It is obvious that the US and other Western governments insist on good governance and respect for human rights in Zimbabwe as one other condition.

It is in the interest of successful regional economic integration and development that South Africa should continue to engage without pause all the leadership in Zimbabwe to promote among other things the imperative of involving the Zimbabwean civil society in the constitution making process. An all inclusive political dispensation is important to bring peace, stability, co-operation and development in Zimbabwe.

Contact: Ben Skosana, 082 887 2779.