SW Radio Africa (London)
19 July 2008
African Union Commission chairman Jean Ping flew to Harare on Saturday, to hold separate meetings with the main political parties in Zimbabwe. The nature of the discussions was not disclosed to the media but sources said it will be a briefing on the pre-dialogue talks.
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It is advisable for the AU Chair to pressurize for Commissioner of Police to express regret and apologise to the nation for having recklessly said he would never allow an MDC taking power through the ballot box! He should further be asked to step aside along with the chiefs of the various Army units while talks take place. The political detainees too should be freed immediately.
Otherwise, how can genuine consultations be carried out in view of signing a memorandum of understanding. Respect of law and order, first by those who are illegitimately clinging to power, should be the guiding spirit of the talks.
Gloves-in-hand style of consultations will not deter eventual dictators to imitate bloodstained, illegitimate President Mugabe and stir crisis in other African countries.