Tal om situationen i Zimbabwe

ACP-EU-möte i Port Moresby, Papua Nya Guinea 2008-11-25

Colleagues,

The negotiation on the Zimbabwe urgency wasn't easy

However, we managed to come to a compromise.

But like all compromises, it doesn't reflect the views of all participants

The run up to the 2008 elections was marked by an unprecedented level of violence and intimidation against the opposition: this has been confirmed by numerous impartial sources. Therefore I cannot but stress my dismay that the text was not more outspoken on the role of the Zanu-PF as the main instigator of political violence:

In addition, we should not shy away from acknowledging that as a result of Zanu-PF's rule the humanitarian situation has become catastrophic.

Zimbabweans are starving.

Time is running out.

The World Food Programme estimates that that by January 2009, 5 million Zimbabweans will be reliant on food aid.

Yet the Zanu-PF authorities remain uncooperative.

Former President Carter warned yesterday that as the planting season is nearly over, it is imperative that farmers are provided with agricultural aid

You will all be aware that a recent eminent delegation with a humanitarian mission - composed of former President Carter, Graca Machel and Kofi Anan -  tried to visit Zimbabwe.

Shockingly, they have thus far been denied access to the country because it is feared that they will intervene in the delicate political situation.

If the situation does not improve I call on the members of the Security Council, in particular the key regional player, South Africa - to tighten sanctions against Zanu-PF and others responsible for grave violations of human rights.

I salute the ACP colleagues for their commitment to act for the Zimbabwean people.

To rescue Zimbabwe for Robert Mugabe is a global responsibility!

And ours in this assembly!