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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Departure Statement by Rt Hon Don McKinnon, Commonwealth Secretary-General

16 May 2000

I have been in Zimbabwe for the last two days. During this time my colleagues and I have met with President Mugabe, senior Government ministers, representatives of political parties, civil society, farm workers, farm owners and farm unions.

My visit to Zimbabwe was very much about looking to the future. I was impressed by the determination of all whom I met to ensure that the elections took place, as soon as possible, in a peaceful environment. In this regard I am pleased about the President's announcement of a date for the parliamentary elections. In my discussions with President Mugabe, I reiterated my offer to send a team of eminent Commonwealth citizens to Zimbabwe to observe the elections and to assist in any way possible to ensure that the atmosphere in the country is conducive to holding free and fair elections. I am delighted that the President has agreed to the presence of a Commonwealth Observer Group, along with other international observers, for the elections.

I also conveyed to President Mugabe the concern of the Commonwealth, and in particular the leaders in the region, about the developments in the country in recent weeks. The President assured me that he had called for an end to violence and would continue to do everything possible to restore normality to the country.

I leave Zimbabwe in the hope there will be a peaceful and orderly election which will further strengthen multi-party democracy in the country and have the confidence of all Zimbabweans. The choice is there for the people of Zimbabwe. We in the Commonwealth will do everything possible to help them have these free and fair elections.

I thank the Government and people of Zimbabwe for their hospitality and for the cordial manner in which I was received. I leave behind three of my colleagues who will commence preparations for a Commonwealth Observer Group.

 

00/36          16 May 2000

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