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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Commonwealth Secretary-General Expresses Concern Over Zanzibar Violence

31 January 2001

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon has issued the following statement on the recent violence in Zanzibar:

My attention has been drawn to the violence in Zanzibar which has resulted in the loss of many lives. I am concerned that the situation on that island has deteriorated, and I deeply regret the loss of life. I extend my sympathies to the families of the deceased and to the Government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania.

I call for restraint on all sides and urge all parties in the conflict to come together and engage in constructive dialogue with a view to resolving the fundamental causes of the crisis.

Since 1995, the Commonwealth has been involved in the quest for a lasting solution to the political impasse in Zanzibar. In June 1999, we successfully brokered an agreement between the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and the opposition Civic United Front (CUF), only part of which was implemented. A Commonwealth Observer Group was also present in the country for the November 2000 parliamentary and presidential elections.

The Commonwealth remains prepared to mediate between all parties in order to find a lasting solution to the problems there.










01/05 31 January 2001


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