inclusive government
11 February 2009
Pretoria: President and Chairperson of Southern African Development
Community (SADC), President Kgalema Motlanthe, today, Wednesday, 11 February
2009, congratulated Morgan Tsvangarai and Arthur Mutambara on their assumption
of the high offices of Prime Minister and Vice Prime Minister in Zimbabwe
respectively.
"The swearing in of the Prime Minister and Vice Prime Minister is an
important milestone towards the formation of an inclusive government in
Zimbabwe as the people of Zimbabwe march towards national reconciliation,
economic recovery, reconstruction and development.
"Ours as SADC and the rest of the international community therefore is to
heed the voice of the Zimbabwean people and seek in word and deed to assist
them as they begin the process of rebuilding their country and addressing a
myriad of economic challenges facing their country
"In this regard, South Africa reiterates the call for the lifting of
sanctions against the country to help create a climate conducive for the
reconstruction and development of Zimbabwe.
"South Africa congratulates the leadership of SADC and the SADC Facilitator
on the Zimbabwean Dialogue, former President Thabo Mbeki for their efforts in
assisting the people of Zimbabwe to address their political challenges.
"South Africa and indeed the entire SADC region stands ready to support the
people of Zimbabwe morally, politically and economically as they embark on this
difficult path of reconstruction and development of their country," concluded
President Motlanthe.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
11 February 2009
