MEDIA STATEMENT
BY THE
INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY
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IFP MEDIA STATEMENT BY: 17 May 2007 Representatives of the Zimbabwean Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) today addressed the IFP Parliamentary Caucus in Cape Town, setting out their version of events in Zimbabwe, said Mr Koos van der Merwe," the IFP Chief Whip, today. "The ruling Zanu-PF party will soon present their views to the IFP as well. "The MDC basically sees Zimbabwe as having an illegitimate government, because the elections were not free and fair. Zimbabwe, they contended, has become a failed state managed by a military junta. The inflation rate rose from 200% earlier this year to more than 7000% unofficially. Numerous farms are in the hands of government officials. More people die in Zimbabwe than in Iraq, due to the absence of medical services and malnutrition. The quality of Zimbabwean life has fallen drastically. "The MDC's position is that a new Zimbabwean Constitution is needed before new elections can take place. Further requirements for free and fair elections include a complete overall of the electoral system and end to violence, repeal of repressive legislation and creating a conducive environment for democratic elections. "The MDC cautiously welcomed the appointment of President Mbeki as mediator by SADC, and called on him to play a non-partisan and constructive role. "The IFP welcomes the input from the MDC, who once again highlighted the desperate situation in Zimbabwe and the IFP Parliamentary Caucus assured the MDC that it would further engage with them, as well as other interested stakeholders," concluded Mr van der Merwe.
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