Motlanthe congratulates Tsvangirai, pledges regional support

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Posted to the web: 11/02/2009 14:08:12
SOUTH African President Kgalema Motlanthe was one of the first leaders to congratulate Morgan Tsvangirai on his inauguration as Zimbabwe's Prime Minister and promised to help rebuild that country.

"The swearing in of the 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," he said in a statement.

Motlanthe, chairperson of the 15-nation Southern African Development Community (Sadc), promised that South Africa and the regional bloc would assist Zimbabwe in its economic recovery efforts.

"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," he said.

South Africa brokered the unity deal between President Robert Mugabe and Tsvangirai to end the crisis in Zimbabwe.

An estimated three million Zimbabweans who fled the economic hardship in their country are believed to be resident in South Africa.

Motlanthe also urged western countries to lift a travel ban and asset freeze on Mugabe and his inner circle, which were imposed in protest at irregular elections and human rights abuses.

"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," he said. - AFP
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