Standing ovation for MDC chairman at Labour conference

Standing ovation for MDC chairman at Labour conference

MR SPEAKER SIR: MDC national chairman and Speaker of Zimbabwe's parliament Lovemore Moyo

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By Staff Reporter
Posted to the web: 22/09/2008 23:03:21
ZIMBABWE'S new Speaker of Parliament and MDC national chairman Lovemore Moyo received a standing ovation from delegates attending the Labour Party conference in Manchester on Monday as he thanked Gordon Brown for his “international leadership and support for democracy in Africa”.

With Brown and Foreign Secretary David Miliband looking on, Moyo -- speaking in his capacity as MDC chairman -- thanked the British Prime Minister for his "personal commitment" to the democratisation of Zimbabwe.

"You spoke for us. We thank you for that," he said, to applause.

"There can be no finer example of what Britain can do in the world than your support for democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe."

A power-sharing deal reached last week between the MDC and Robert Mugabe's Zanu PF is being seen as a landmark moment in the country's history.

Sidestepping fears that Mugabe will continue to crack down on the MDC’s political activities through campaigns of violence and intimidation, Moyo said he was upbeat about the country’s future.

"It is not easy to fight a dictatorship through democratic means. I dare to hope we have prevailed," he added.

Moyo was elected speaker of the Zimbabwean parliament in August and becomes the first non-member of Zanu PF to hold the post since Zimbabwe's independence since 1980.

"Zimbabwe's struggle for freedom has been the story of my life," he continued.

"We look to our friends and comrades around the world… to help us rebuild our institutions. Prime Minister, your international leadership and support for democracy in Africa will always be celebrated. Thank you."

Moyo shook hands with Brown and Miliband as delegates rose in warm applause. Brown then led him out of the conference room.
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