Zimbabwe’s suspension from the councils of the Commonwealth is to remain in place until December, Commonwealth secretary-general Don McKinnon said in London on Sunday.
McKinnon said there had been differing views on the suspension of Zimbabwe, which was to expire on Wednesday.
”Some member governments take the view that it is time to lift Zimbabwe’s suspension from the councils of the Commonwealth when the one-year period expires on 19 March 2003,” McKinnon said.
”Some others feel that there is no justification for such a step and that there is in fact reason to impose stronger measures.”
He said the general view was that heads of government wished to review Zimbabwe’s position at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Nigeria in December. It was therefore decided that Zimbabwe’s current suspension would stay in place until then pending a discussion on the matter.
”I wish to reiterate that Zimbabwe and its people matter to the Commonwealth. All the heads of government I have spoken to have urged me to persist with my efforts at engagement with President (Robert) Mugabe and his government in the context of my good offices role. I intend to do so.”
McKinnon said land reform was at the core of the situation in Zimbabwe and could not be separated from other issues of concern to the Commonwealth, such as the rule of law, respect for human rights, democracy and the economy.
”The Commonwealth and the wider international community remain ready to assist the government of Zimbabwe in addressing this key issue.”
He called on Mugabe’s government to re-engage with the Commonwealth and the United Nations Development Programme on land reform, as agreed at Abuja in September 2001.
”The Commonwealth looks forward to Zimbabwe being able to regain its full and rightful place in the Commonwealth family.” – Sapa