Statement Ministry for Foreign Affairs 22 July 2008
Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Statement on the agreement now signed between ZANU-PF and MDC

"I welcome the fact that the parties in Zimbabwe have now declared their agreement on the framework for negotiations to find a solution to the deep crisis in Zimbabwe. This is an important first step. However, in order to succeed the parties need to be serious in their desire to achieve results," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt following the agreement between the MDC and ZANU-PF that was signed in Harare today.

"If Zimbabwe is to have a legitimate and democratically accepted government it is important that the negotiations are based on the outcome of the parliamentary elections on 29 March and that that result is respected. Continued international pressure is also required. As regional organisations, the AU and the SADC in particular have a key role to play in this," says the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

"I remain concerned about developments in Zimbabwe and the people there. Every day we see examples of human rights violations and the humanitarian situation is becoming increasingly serious. The prohibition against humanitarian organisations operating in Zimbabwe must be cancelled as soon as possible. The government-sponsored violence against the civilian population and members of the opposition must stop immediately."

Background

On 21 July Mr Mugabe and Mr Tsvangirai signed a Memorandum of Understanding that sets out the framework for negotiations between ZANU-PF and the MDC.