Jacob Zuma with Robert Mugabe on an earlier visit to Zimbabwe. AFP
Let Zim back in - Zuma
Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:00
President Jacob Zuma has urged, during a Commonwealth summit,
that Zimbabwe be re-admitted into the group, the presidency said on
Sunday.
"President Zuma... welcomed efforts by the leaders of the
Commonwealth Group attending the Commonwealth head of government
summit in Trinidad and Tobago, to consider the re-admission of
Zimbabwe," said Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya in a
statement on Sunday.
"Zimbabwe?s re-admission into the Commonwealth, will serve as a
recognition to the progress that has been achieved thus far.
"Equally, along with the lifting of sanctions, it will represent
the international community's support and encouragement to parties
to continue the dialogue that will deliver a lasting solution to
the challenges facing the country," he said.
In a separate statement, Magwenya said Zuma was also satisfied
with declarations around climate change and Rwanda's entry into the
commonwealth at the summit.
"A declaration on climate change and the admission of Rwanda into
the commonwealth were key outcomes", said Magwenya.
The summit ended on Sunday and Zuma is expected back in the
country on Monday.
During his visit Zuma met with the heads of state of the
Carribbean Community (Caricom).
"The history and future of the peoples of Africa and the
Carribbean are intertwined."
Stronger links needed?
Zuma said the African Union and Caricom needed to forge stronger
links.
"We must speak with one voice to advance our interest on trade
and economic relations including tourism, climate change, peace and
security and other matters of mutual interest."
Zuma also met with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin
Ramgoolam.
The situation in Zimbabwe and Madagascar were amongst the issues
discussed.
On Saturday, Zuma met with United Nations Secretary General Ban
Ki-moon, Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen and Australian
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
All three expressed a desire to attend next years Fifa Soccer
World Cup and Zuma told them the country was ready to welcome them
if they did attend.
Ban Ki-Moon and Zuma also discussed issues in various parts of
Africa including Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Sudan, the Horn of Africa,
the DRC and Burundi.
"Zuma called for the United Nations to continue supporting all
efforts aimed at bringing stability to Somalia and other parts of
Africa."