Zimbabwe talks: Communiqué of the Extraordinary SADC Summit

Zimbabwe talks: Communiqué of the Extraordinary SADC Summit

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1. The Extraordinary Summit of the Organ of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was held in Sandton, Republic of South Africa from August 16 to 17, 2008, on the margins of the 28th Ordinary SADC Summit.

2. The Extraordinary Summit of the Organ was attended by the following Heads of State and Government:

Angola: H.E. President José Eduardo dos Santos
DRC: H.E. President Joseph Kabila
Lesotho: The Rt. Hon. Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Lesao Lehohla
Madagascar: H.E President Marc Ravalomanana
Malawi: H.E. President Bingu wa Mutharika
Mauritius: Dr. the Hon. Prime Minister, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, GCSK
Mozambique: H.E. President Armando Emílio Guebuza
Namibia: H.E. President Hifikepunye Pohamba
Seychelles: H. E. President James Alix Michel
South Africa: H.E. President Thabo Mbeki
Swaziland: H.M. King Mswati III
United Republic of Tanzania: H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
Zambia: Hon. Kabinga J. Pande, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Special Representative of H.E. Dr. Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, SC
Zimbabwe: H.E. President Robert Gabriel Mugabe
Botswana: Hon. Pandu Skelemani, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

3. The Extraordinary Summit of the Organ considered the political developments in the Republic of Zimbabwe and:

i) Recalled the Resolutions adopted in Dar Es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania on 29th March 2007 and in Sharm El Sheik on 30th June to 2nd July 2008 on the framework of dealing with the Political Situation in Zimbabwe, which call upon the parties to form an all inclusive Government;

ii) Acknowledged the efforts made by the parties so far in implementing the SADC and AU resolutions;

iii) Commended the parties for their commitment to the dialogue in implementing the SADC and AU resolutions on resolving the Political Situation in Zimbabwe;

iv) Commended the Facilitator, President Thabo Mbeki for his efforts and encouraged him to continue in his mediation efforts and fully support his work;

v) Expressed strong opinion that documents as contained in the Facilitator’s Report reflect the framework, spirit and purpose of the SADC and AU Resolutions. In view of that, they are a good basis for a global agreement;

vi) Encouraged and appealed to the parties to sign any outstanding agreements and conclude the negotiations as a matter of urgency to restore political stability in Zimbabwe;

vii) Recognised that while negotiations are continuing, it may be necessary to convene Parliament to give effect to the will of the people as expressed in the Parliamentary elections held on 29 March 2008;

viii) Remains committed to support the parties as they implement the agreement

Sandton, Republic of South Africa
August 17, 2008
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