South Africa insists on Zimbabwe dialogue

South Africa insists on Zimbabwe dialogue

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By Staff Reporter

SOUTH Africa's cabinet on Wednesday said it was extremely concerned over the unfolding violence in Zimbabwe, but repeated that helping solve that country's problems had to be through dialogue.

Briefing the media in Parliament after the executive's fortnightly meeting, Themba Maseko, the government communications head, said government's primary worry at this stage was the reported abuse of human rights in Zimbabwe.

"We are extremely concerned, particularly about the violence that is unfolding in Zimbabwe. The need for dialogue is absolutely essential because we believe that violence from any quarters is not a viable solution to the problems that are experienced in Zimbabwe,” he said.

"We will continue working with all stakeholders, particularly the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU), in trying to get all the parties to sit around a table to address the problems that are facing that nation," Maseko told journalists.

He said government was in contact with "key players" in Zimbabwe.

"We do not agree with the view that says the time for dialogue is past. In fact, the time for dialogue is now more than ever before," he said. Such dialogue was needed as a matter of great urgency.

"We need to continue extensive interaction between our government and the government of Zimbabwe, there needs to be extensive interaction and consultation with other heads of states in the region, to try and impress upon the government of Zimbabwe, and the opposition parties, to sit around a table as a matter of absolute urgency," Maseko said.

Asked if the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in Zimbabwe had called on the SA government for help, Maseko said: "If there is a particular request from the opposition parties to this government, I am personally not aware of such a request."

The South African government believed a diplomatic solution could be found, he said.

"We think it is possible, even in the Zimbabwean situation, to reach a point in the near future where both parties will be willing to say the situation is getting out of hand, let us sit around a table," Maseko said. - Sapa

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