Commonwealth Stands by Zimbabwe Report

The Commonwealth Secretariat notes with deep regret the reported statement of Zimbabwe's Foreign Affairs Senior Secretary, Mr Willard Chiwewe, that the Commonwealth Secretary-General "would not be welcome" in Zimbabwe.

"We have been urged by our member governments to communicate their dismay at this statement," said Commonwealth Secretariat spokesperson James Robertson today. "But despite this unfortunate development, the Commonwealth will continue to make every possible effort to engage the Government of Zimbabwe in dialogue in order to help find a resolution to the ongoing crisis in the country, in the interests of the people of Zimbabwe and its neighbours."

The spokesperson also responded to the Government of Zimbabwe's recent publication of its commentary on the Commonwealth Observer Group Report on the March 2002 Zimbabwe Presidential Election: "The Secretariat rejects the criticisms made in the commentary. The fully independent Commonwealth Observer Group comprised eminent citizens from across the Commonwealth, led by a former Nigerian Head of State. The Group examined all the factors impinging on the electoral process in Zimbabwe and freely came to the conclusion that 'the conditions in Zimbabwe did not adequately allow for a free expression of will by the electors'.

"The impartiality and independence of Commonwealth Observer Groups underpins their international high standing. The conclusions of this Observer Group to Zimbabwe were accepted by the Commonwealth Chairpersons' Committee on Zimbabwe, the 'Troika', comprising the leaders of Nigeria, South Africa and Australia in the Marlborough House Statement of 19 March 2002. It was on the basis of the Observer Group's Report and in accordance with the Troika's mandate set by the Commonwealth Heads of Government in Coolum, Australia, in March 2002, that the three leaders suspended Zimbabwe from the councils of the Commonwealth."

The spokesperson concluded: "The fundamental values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law remain the guiding lights of the Commonwealth. The Secretary-General's efforts to conduct an effective dialogue with the Government of Zimbabwe continue."