Press release 03 July 2008
Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Gunilla Carlsson on developments in Zimbabwe

"Despite the fact that the African Union heads of state and government at yesterday's summit in Sharm El-Sheik sent a signal to Zimbabwe, I can't help feeling a certain amount of disappointment.

"Particularly the election observers of the SADC and Pan-African Parliament had stated before the meeting that the second round of presidential elections did not reflect the will of the Zimbabwean people. Like Vice President of Botswana Merafhe, several of the African leaders made forceful statements, but the final message lacked the vigorous standpoint that many had hoped and called for. Once again, the Zimbabwean people risk becoming the major losers.

"I feel concerned about the way in which Europe's and Africa's common standpoints and values about democracy and human rights are now being allowed to be corrupted in Zimbabwe.

"I welcome the fact that the African Union heads of state and government are emphasising that the SADC commitment will now be strengthened and given additional resources. What Zimbabwe needs is a solution that leads to a legitimate government that has the democratic support of its people.

"I note and welcome the fact that the issue will also be more extensively dealt with by the UN Security Council. When the EU foreign ministers meet on 22 July, they will have a thorough discussion about Zimbabwe and consider the measures that need to be taken.

"Over three months have now passed since the first round of elections in Zimbabwe in which the Zimbabwean people showed that they wanted a change that could lead to an end to the crisis in the country. Since then, the situation has almost spiralled out of control with a state-supported culture of violence, abuse of human rights and a second electoral round that has been a frightening confirmation of how one man and one party can set themselves above their own people."