Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi)
25 July 2008
Geneva — World Christian organisations have praised government and opposition leaders for signing the Memorandum of Understanding that paves the way for negotiations towards a lasting resolution of the difficult political crisis in Zimbabwe.
The church groups also commended the mediation of the regional facilitator, President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and his team comprising Dr Jean Ping, Chair of the African Union Commission, the Secretary General of the United Nations and his Special Envoy, Ambassador Haile Menkarios.
The joint statement of the church groups was issued by the World Council of Churches, World Student Christian Federation, World YWCA, World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the World Alliance of YMCAs.
"We believe that the will of the people should be the fundamental basis on which to ground negotiations," the organisations said.
"And we greet the beginning of this critical round of negotiations with fervent hope for a new beginning for all Zimbabweans, restoration of peace, prosperity, dignity and the rule of law."
The negotiations should be guided by good faith, for the best interests and deeper aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe.
The organisations also called for an immediate end to all forms of violence, harassment, intimidation and torture to provide an environment truly conducive for peaceful negotiations.
On the humanitarian situation, the church groups said they were saddened that there has not been an official withdrawal of the order banning the field operations of humanitarian aid agencies and NGOs. The World Food Programme has recently warned that if the agencies are not allowed immediate access to the communities in need, some 5.1 million will face starvation.
"We therefore call upon the Zimbabwean authorities to immediately and without conditions lift the ban and allow humanitarian aid agencies and NGOs access to the communities in need."
The groups further urged the negotiating parties to remain committed to a genuine restoration of the rule of law that rejects impunity but allows true reconciliation and healing.
The talks should also be inclusive, bringing in civil society, churches, women and young people. "None of the negotiating teams from the three parties includes a woman at a time when mothers and women of Zimbabwe continue to face the hardest part of the national challenge. This is most regrettable."
Meanwhile, Amnesty International called on both parties to ensure there is no pardon for those who committed human rights violations in the post-election period.
"There can be no lasting political solution to the crisis in Zimbabwe without addressing past human rights violations. While human rights violations must end immediately, investigations must be carried out and alleged perpetrators brought to justice."
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