Ministers Speeches

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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Dr. Kenneth Baugh

Jamaica has been following the developments in Zimbabwe, and is concerned that, to date, results of the 29th March presidential elections have not been released. We are further disturbed at talk of a run-off election, even before the release of those results. This, we believe, compromises the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.

Whilst noting the efforts of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to assist Zimbabwe in the post electoral-crisis, it is regretted that the intervention of the regional leaders has not, so far, been able to resolve the impasse.

Jamaica was at the forefront of the international campaign against apartheid, injustice and oppression in Southern Africa which eventually led to, among other things, Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, the celebration of which included participation of our own cultural icon, the late Robert "Bob" Nesta Marley as a special guest. We recognize the important role played by President Robert Mugabe in the struggle for freedom and democracy in Zimbabwe. We are, therefore, profoundly saddened at the seeming failure to consolidate democracy in Zimbabwe.

We commend the resilience and fortitude of the people of Zimbabwe in the face of the extraordinary challenges and hope that the situation does not deteriorate into chaos or lead to a humanitarian crisis.

Jamaica calls on the Government of Zimbabwe to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles and to allow the will of the Zimbabwean people, as expressed in the elections of the 29th March, to be recognized and made known. We urge all parties to engage in a process of national reconciliation aimed at achieving lasting peace and harmony, and fostering economic growth and development in Zimbabwe.

Kenneth Baugh
Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade

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