Zuma On Zimbwean Talks

Zuma says Zimbabwe talks 'fruitful'


SOUTH African President Jacob Zuma said his talks Thursday with Zimbabwe's feuding leaders were "fruitful", but gave little sign of a breakthrough in resolving issues straining the unity government.

"I am very encouraged by the spirit of cooperation displayed by the leaders and all the parties," Zuma said after nearly three hours of round-table talks with Zimbabwe's long-ruling President Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara.

"I have had fruitful discussions with all the signatories to the (power-sharing deal), their negotiating teams, leading Zimbabwean personalities and other key stakeholders," he said.

But Zuma gave no indication of any breakthrough in easing tensions within the year-old unity government, saying only that the parties agreed to keep working toward goals set out months ago.

Negotiating teams will continue meeting next week, and deliver a report by the end of March, which Zuma said he would pass on to the security organ of 15-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC).

"The leaders have instructed their negotiating teams to attend to all outstanding matters during their deliberations," he said.

Mugabe, in power since independence from Britain in 1980, reluctantly formed a unity government one year ago with opposition rivals Tsvangirai and Mutambara.

The power-sharing pact has curbed deadly political violence that erupted around disputed 2008 presidential elections, while halting Zimbabwe's decade-long economic collapse.

But the leaders remain sharply divided on a slate of key appointments, western sanctions on Mugabe's inner circle, and the treason trial of a top Tsvangirai ally. - AFP


Substantial progress ... President Zuma poses with Zimbabwean leaders on Thursday

IN FULL: TEXT OF JACOB ZUMA'S STATEMENT AT CONCLUSION OF ZIMBABWE VISIT

I came to Harare, Zimbabwe on a working visit on the 16th to the 18th of March 2010, in pursuance of my mandate given by SADC to facilitate the implementation of the Global Political Agreement.

I have had fruitful discussions with all the signatories to the GPA, their negotiating teams, leading Zimbabwean personalities and other key stakeholders.

I am very encouraged by the spirit of cooperation displayed by the leaders and all the parties.

The parties have agreed to a package of measures to be implemented concurrently as per the decision of the SADC Troika in Maputo.

I believe that the implementation of this package will take the process forward substantially.

The leaders have instructed their negotiating teams to attend to all outstanding matters during their deliberations on 25, 26 and 29 March and to report back to the Facilitator by the 31st of March.

I will present a comprehensive progress report to the Chairperson of the SADC Troika, President Armando Guebuza of Mozambique.

I would like to thank all the Principals and their negotiating teams for the commitment to ensuring that the GPA is implemented.

I thank you.

Issued by the Presidency
Union Buildings
Pretoria

18 March 2010
NewZimbabwe.com