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Sweden speaks out on Zim situation

03 December, 2008

JOHANNESBURG. The power-sharing arrangements in Zimbabwe are still extremely uncertain. At the same time, the people of Zimbabwe are subject to humanitarian, economic and political abuses. The situation has been made even worse by the cholera epidemic in the country, says the Swedish Minister for International Development Gunilla Carlsson, in a statement issued on the situation by the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Robert Mugabe’s violent regime has led to economic collapse, famine and large flows of refugees.

“At a recent meeting with Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of the party that won the elections in March, I promised that Sweden would continue to stand up for the will of the people of Zimbabwe,” the minister says.

“The violence, which is once again increasing, must cease and extensive reforms be introduced to turn developments in Zimbabwe around. The SADC and neighbouring countries have a major responsibility. The AU and the UN must also increase their commitment and play their part in jointly resolving the situation that has arisen.

“The rest of the world must not lose interest in the humanitarian crisis or its desire to act in favour of justice in Zimbabwe. That would only encourage Robert Mugabe and make a long-term solution even more difficult,” adds Carlsson.

The Swedish Government supports the democratic forces in Zimbabwe both individually and together with the EU and other countries. The EU foreign ministers are due to discuss the situation in the country on Monday.