The Democratic Alliance welcomed on Thursday the reported thawing of relations between the Zimbabwean government and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), saying it was a step in the right direction.
”We have seen far too much hostility and intolerance in Zimbabwe, and any initiative to put an end to this tragedy deserves support,” DA chairman Joe Seremane said in a statement.
The DA called on President Thabo Mbeki to lead Zimbabwe’s neighbours in influencing and assisting Zimbabwe’s return to the path of democracy.
The African Union and the New Plan for Africa’s Development (Nepad) faced their stiffest test in the Zimbabwean crisis, Seremane said.
The impact of the political and economic meltdown in that country would be felt by all southern African nations, making it all the more important for all nations to become active in resolving the crisis, he said.
The people of Zimbabwe deserved a return to multi-party democracy, and a government that showed respect for their basic human rights.
”If the Zanu-PF government and the MDC are willing to meet face-to-face for serious peace talks, we should applaud them and help where we can,” Seremane said. – Sapa